By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 35-YEAR-OLDman who was arrested for malicious damage to property is expected back in court. Sibongile Dube was arrested on 9 January 2022 for allegedly smashing the Vryburg Magostrate’s Court windows.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, a security officer on duty 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 and officially charged. The Vryburg Magistrate’s Court postponed a case against Dube to 25 January 2022 for Legal Aid representation.

“He was charged with malicious damage to property, in a turn of events, Dube told the court that he will no longer plead guilty to his alleged offence and he further requested a Legal Aid attorney,” he said.

Mamothame further said in Dube’s 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 offence. He added that Dube claimed his actions were driven by anger following a three-month jail sentence he served for failing to appear in court on a separate offence in June 2020.

“He also attributed his anger to a two-year sentence he received in 2009 on an assault case. Dube alleges that he had a valid reason for not attending court but was nonetheless sentenced,” said Mamothame.

Dube was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.

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