Flamboyant Mpumalanga businessman Sam "Mshengu"
Chabalala was whisked away in a Maserati after being granted a R200,000 bail in
the Witbank magistrate's court yesterday.
Chabalala, who was arrested more than a week ago, is facing
charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, corruption, bribery
and fraud.
Mshengu, as he is popularly known, seemed relaxed and in
good spirits before the magistrate granted him bail. Shortly after he was
granted bail, Chabalala celebrated and even posed on the public's request to
take pictures of him while he made his way down into the holding cells for his
bail to be processed.
"Media, you guys must not go anywhere. I want to address
you outside," he said.
However, he later remained mum and would not even comment
on his bail condition and feelings after being given his freedom.
He was then whisked away in a swanky black Maserati with
brown leather seats.
Shortly after Chabalala was granted bail, prosecutor
Marthinus van Eerde attempted to have his bail revoked based on an affidavit
that he had in his possession.
The affidavit related to another case which the Hawks
wanted to link the businessman to. However, Magistrate Mdumiseni Mavuso
dismissed the application because Chabalala's lawyers were not furnished with
the basis and details of the application.
Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga Capt Dineo Sekgotodi said
a case of fraud was being investigated against Chabalala but refused to comment
further on the charge.
Mavuso said the state's allegations that Chabalala was a
dangerous individual could not be proved. "The state did not give details
on why it claimed that the applicant is dangerous," Mavuso said.
"Based on the evidence his lawyers presented, it seems
as if he has strong family and business ties in South Africa. There is no
evidence he has family outside the borders of the republic and it is unknown if
he has business and family ties outside of South Africa." Sowetan
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