A Durban man accused of smokkeling guns to the notorious Terrible Josters gang on the Cape Flats has been released on R60 000 bail.
Anderson Padayachee, 39, returned to the Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where he faces more than 60 charges including several murders and charges under the Prevent of Organised Act (Poca).
The Hawks, along with a Special Task Force Team, Crime Intelligence and Metro Police in Durban, swooped on the alleged gun mert last Friday after he was linked to the illegal supply of guns to gangs.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani says the team seized 17 illegal firearms in George in transit from Joburg and further investigation revealed that the firearms were allegedly destined for Cape Town’s criminal gangs.
Cops also seized 44 firearms from his business.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila says he was granted R60 000 bail and is allowed to return to Durban.
“Padayachee appeared at Worcester Magistrates’ Court for a bail application in his schedule 5 case. The State didn't oppose bail,” he says.
“He was granted a R60 000 bail with conditions. The conditions include that he must stay at his home address, mustn't leave the district of Wentworth, and hand over his passport.”
Padayachee also has to report to the police station three times a week.
The case has been postponed to 18 June for the preparation of the High Court indictment.
According to the charge sheet, Padayachee is charged under the Poca Act for aiding criminal activities by the Terrible Josters in Kalksteenfontein and Bonteheuwel, by unlawfully selling guns to them in 2018.
It further states that the arms dealer allegedly committed fraud on the firearms registry and supplied false information for the issuing of competency certificates.
monique.duval@inl.co.za