Johannesburg - The trial of Owen Serero on various charges including robbery was postponed in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday.
In a separate matter he is accused, along with Radovan Krejcir, of plotting to kill investigators probing the Czech fugitive.
Serero, dressed in a charcoal flower embroidery suit, a scarf, gloves, and beanie, made his way to the dock flanked by three armed police officers.
He took off his beanie before proceedings started. The court heard the matter was ready for trial. The case was postponed to June 30.
Serero faces three charges of robbery, two of possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, three of motor vehicle theft, one of contravening traffic laws, one of interfering with an investigation, and one of escaping from custody.
During one of his appearances in March, the court heard police found five cellphones and two hacksaws in his cell. It was unclear how Serero, who had previously escaped from police custody, had obtained the phones and saws.
In the other case, Serero, Krejcir, Siboniso Miya, Zoduma Biyela, Jacob Nare, Nkanyiso Mafunda, and police sergeant Nandi Nkosi are accused of conspiring to kill Colonel Nkosana “Killer” Ximba and forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan.
This matter was postponed to July 4 in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court for the State to amend its indictment against the accused and to transfer the matter to the High Court in Johannesburg. - Sapa