Just because Bushiri fled doesn’t mean I do, says co-defendant seeking bail



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Earlier during cross-examination, the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hosea Marais, told the court that more arrests were expected. He said the investigation was likely to conclude “in the next month or so” but that the matter was not yet ready for trial.

Marais had said his client was not a flight risk.

“He intends to show that he returned all the money deposited into his account in 2017. He had nothing to do with the fraud, theft and money laundering case involving the Bushiri,” he said.

On Monday, the investigating officer, who is based on the Hawks’ Specific Organized Crime component, told the court that Mudolo was in possession of three cell phones while he was detained at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Center. The mobile phones were later confiscated.

An affidavit filed by a correctional services officer, which was read aloud in court, indicated that Mudolo was in possession of three cell phones.

The court also heard that Airport Companies SA CCTV footage showed evidence of a person resembling Mudolo trying to leave the country on October 13, 16 and 17, allegedly using different passports.

Marais said Mudolo did not present evidence as to why he is not a flight risk.

“It is not clear or stated where the defendant owns or leases properties outside the borders of SA. It is also clear that the defendant generates funds or has access to funds from outside of SA.

“The defendant on his own account has strong ties to Hong Kong, Kenya, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and Zambia for the reasons set out in this affidavit. The accused has international business ties and can run this type of criminal enterprise globally from anywhere in the world, ”he said.

Mudolo, a citizen of Zambia, previously told the court that he intended to plead not guilty in the matter.

“I intend to plead not guilty and will provide evidence to the state that any and all funds paid into the Rising Estates (Pty) Ltd business account, without my knowledge but following instructions from Mr. Shepherd Bushiri, were refunded. To the designated account of Mr. Shepherd Bushiri and various beneficiaries, ”the court heard his written affidavit.

TimesLIVE



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