The infamous suspected armed robber Bongani Moyo and three suspected accomplices will attend court proceedings only via video link-ups from prison to prevent them escaping again.
Moyo, 29, and his co-accused Khumbulani Sibanda, 37, Thabane Sibanda, 27, and Leon Ncube appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court yesterday, but were allowed to interact with officials only via TV screens in the court room.
Moyo made news headlines in August when he walked out of the holding cells at the magistrates' court after appearing for a bail hearing.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said yesterday the four would no longer come to court for security reasons.
"Moyo is prone to escape and we cannot take any chances. This will apply to all potential escapees and high-risk suspects," he said.
After magistrate Maryke de la Rey postponed the case yesterday, Moyo, a Zimbabwean citizen, raised his hand and said he wanted to lodge a complaint about the leg irons he was made to wear.
"Prison officials keep me in chains all the time. Even as we speak I am chained. I want them to remove them," said Moyo.
De la Rey told the alleged gang leader he would have to consult with his legal aid representative to apply for removal of the irons.
"The officials will decide whether to remove them or not," she said.
The case was postponed to December 13.
Moyo and his co-accused are charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances and possession of unlicensed firearms. They are being held for a robbery at Standard Bank in Pretoria on April 19 in which R30000 was stolen.
Moyo will face two more charges of escape from lawful custody. He first escaped from the Boksburg prison in March and was arrested again at the Beitbridge border post in Limpopo.
Prosecutors said more charges would be added because Moyo's gang could allegedly be linked to more than 35 bank robberies.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 