The trial of four individuals accused of robbing missing German tourist Nick Frischke was closed to the public on Thursday due to safety concerns for witnesses, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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The trial for Ishaam Fischer, Melvin Geunantin, Vanroy Petersen, and Carlo Geunantin began at the Wynberg Regional Court after several delays. The group faces multiple charges, including robbery, burglary, firearm and ammunition offenses, and violations of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
Frischke (22) disappeared on 15 February, 2023, while hiking on the Hangberg trail between Hout Bay and Sandy Bay. Despite extensive searches, he has not been found. The accused, who are allegedly members of the 28s gang, are charged with stealing various items from Frischke, including an iPhone 13 Pro Max, a Huawei P40, a Louis Vuitton handbag, and R11 267 in cash.
Additionally, the group is accused of robbing Frischke of a Redmi Note 8 Pro cellphone and his backpack. The following day, Carlo and Fischer are alleged to have broken into a 79-year-old man’s home and stolen a flatscreen TV. The four defendants pleaded not guilty, even though DNA evidence links some of them to the crime scenes.
Carlo was reportedly found with a firearm, ammunition, Mandrax, and a stolen TV. The state prosecutor requested that the testimonies of two state witnesses be heard in private for their safety, as the witnesses feared retaliation from the accused’s families. The defence did not oppose this request.
The trial will be open to the public once these initial testimonies are complete.
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Picture: Tom Frischke / Facebook