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Johannesburg - The National Prosecuting Authority wants controversial AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo behind bars sooner rather than later.
On Tuesday, senior State prosecutor Nigel Carpenter – the man behind the successful conviction against the king following a marathon trial – filed a last-minute application to oppose an extension of bail for Dalindyebo.
The king is out on R6 000 bail after being convicted in 2009 for various serious crimes ranging from culpable homicide, kidnapping, arson and assault causing grievous bodily harm to defeating the ends of justice.
He was initially sentenced by Mthatha High Court Judge Sytze Alkema to 15 years in 2009 but he took the matter to the Supreme Court of Appeals in Bloemfontein.
His case was heard at the appeals court in August. Dalindyebo was acquitted on the culpable homicide charge and his sentence was reduced to 12 years in prison.
He has appealed the appeal ruling at the Constitutional Court.
Dalindyebo has brought in heavyweights in Johannesburg-based lawyer, Etienne Naude and renowned legal mind Advocate Jaap Cilliers (SC) to fight for his freedom.
Mthatha High Court Judge Lusindiso Pakade postponed the matter to Wednesday so he could read the papers filed by the NPA.
Regional NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed they filed court papers opposing the extension of the bail but refused to divulge their reasons.
Meanwhile Mfundo Mtirara, Dalindyebo’s spokesperson, said they expected the state to oppose the bail, which is why they brought in some of the best legal brains in the country.
