By BAKANG MOKOTO
A 35-YEAR-OLD man who was arrested for allegedly smashing the windows of the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 9 January 2022 changed his mind. Sibongile Dube was charged with malicious damage to property and told the court that he will represent himself with intentions of pleading guilty.
However, in a turn of events, Dube who appeared in court recently, is now seeking the assistance of Legal Aid and told the court that he will no longer plead guilty to the charges.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said: “The Vryburg Magistrate’s Court postponed Dube’s case to 25 January 2022 for Legal Aid representation.
“Dube told the court that he will no longer plead guilty to his alleged offense and he further requested a Legal Aid attorney. In his last appearance in court on 17 January 2022, he opted to represent himself then told the court that he intends to plead guilty for his offense.”
Mamothame said Dube alleged that his actions were driven by anger following a three months jail sentence he served for failing to appear in court on a separate offense in June 2020. He further said Dube also attributed his anger to a two year sentence he received in 2009 on an assault case.
“He alleged that he had a valid reason for not attending court, but was nonetheless sentenced. A security officer on duty on 9 January 2022 heard windows being smashed and upon investigation, saw the suspect running away from the scene.
“The security officer gave chase and caught Dube. The police were called and he was arrested. Dube was officially charged and will remain in custody until his next court appearance,” said Mamothame.
The Guardian 
He was forced to plead guilty, then he later get the advice,but he was caught right-handed and pointed out by the guard. He must just plead guilty and accept his sentence
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