Terrorism Charges Dropped For Man Charged With The Alleged Menlyn Maine Robbery. The terrorism charges against an ex Scorpions examiner who tried to rob a bank at Menlyn Maine shopping square in Pretoria have been dropped.
The terrorism charges against an ex Scorpions examiner who tried to rob a bank at Menlyn Maine shopping square in Pretoria have been dropped. The man accused, Ekhardt Mostert, was at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court where it was stated that he is only charged for attempted robbery with aggravating conditions. He was also given charges for the breach of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorism and Related Activities act and for terrorism.
During the court processes, Oelof de Meyer, Ekhardt Mostert’s attorney, let it be known that the charges for terrorism have been dropped. He also says the State has made a good decision. The man is said to be on the waiting list for a bed at the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital. He was said to head there for observation after a surgeon of the district checked him out in September. The district surgeon’s report states that the man knows the seriousness of the offences that he allegedly did.
It also states that the man knows what would happen if he is possibly convicted, it reportedly also states that he could remember the conditions of the alleged crime at Menlyn Maine and he could also remember the important facts. However, it was stated that the man has a history of depression, psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder. “The accused person has insight and will bbe able to follow a court case but there is a history of psychosis, PTSD and suicidal thoughts. So it’s recommended that he undergo psychiatric evaluation,” says the district surgeon.
In his first court appearance, Ekhardt Mostert said that he would defend himself, he then pleaded guilty. He was told the seriousness of the terrorism charges with life in prison. The man understood what was said but he went on to say that would sill defend himself and plead guilty. Kagiso Rancho, the prosecutor, says they cannot agree to the plea because the certificate had to be given by the deputy public prosecutor because of the charges against the alleged terrorism.
by Alexandra Ramaite
