3
Mr Zamani Mhlongo and Mr Dorasamy Pillay. In addition to testifying
himself, the appellant also called Mr Nkosinathi Zondo and
Mr Sithembiso Philip Ngcobo to testify on his behalf. Not all their
evidence is relevant for this appeal. The foundation upon which the
convictions rest is the evidence of Ramseroop, who was warned as an
accomplice in terms of s 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.
[5]
Ramseroop was 32 years old at the time of these incidents. He had
lived in the Emona area of Tongaat all his life and conducted business as
a panel-beater from his home. He became acquainted with the appellant,
who had left the police service to start a business as a taxi operator. The
appellant often brought vehicles to him for panel-beating. He testified
that towards the end of January 1998 the appellant, accompanied by
Ngcobo, brought the Hilux in count 2 to him. The appellant asked him to
repair and spray-paint the vehicle. They agreed on a price of R500. Two
days later the appellant returned with a Mr D K Mhlongo, who he
introduced to Ramseroop as his uncle from Hambanathi. The appellant
informed him that Mhlongo wished to buy the vehicle. Two days later
they returned to inspect it and the day thereafter they came back to collect
the vehicle in return for payment of the agreed amount.
[6]
On 5 February 1998 the appellant brought another vehicle to
Ramseroop’s home. This was the Corolla in count 3. On this occasion an
unknown male accompanied him. Ramseroop noticed that the vehicle’s
ignition switch had been damaged. The appellant removed the
registration-plates and placed them in the boot. He also asked Ramseroop
to spray-paint the vehicle. At the appellant’s request Ramseroop parked
the vehicle in his sunken lounge thereby concealing it. A few days later
the appellant and his companion returned. He appeared, Ramseroop said,