Mandela's grandson not in court as co-accused seek bail

Nelson Mandela's grandson was notably absent during the proceedings at Johannesburg Magistrate's Court yesterday, where four of his co-accused appeared.

- Molefe Seeletsa

The five individuals were arrested earlier this week for allegedly kidnapping, robbing, and assaulting an Uber driver.

The arrests followed the recovery of a hijacked white Toyota Corolla at Mandela's Houghton residence by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).

The car had reportedly been taken along Louis Botha Avenue in Oaklands. The driver emerged from the incident unharmed.

Initially, the JMPD said the suspects, detained at the Norwood police station, would face charges of possession of a hijacked vehicle and an unlicensed firearm.

During yesterday's hearing, the state filed an application to temporarily restrict the media from identifying the four accused.