Legal setbacks for Ramaphosa death threat accused
'Am I guilty of anything?’ That was the question posed by the 28-year-old Cape Town man accused of threatening President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, reports News24.
Phillip Masango made his second appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court yesterday. He faces three counts of assault and five counts of contravening the Cybercrime Act. Masango told the court he had contacted a popular bank’s law service, but had heard nothing back.
‘Why are my attorneys not here?’ he asked during the proceedings.
After the magistrate explained that he could either make use of state-provided legal aid or hire a private attorney at his own expense, Masango asked: ‘Which one is better?’
He opted for Legal Aid to represent him. Magistrate Alida Theart explained that the matter was still under investigation. ‘In the meantime, you are in custody. The attorney must come on record, and a bail application must come forward, and then a trial, so it takes time,’ she explained.
Masango told the court that he had a business to run.
Two months ago, Masango was a guest on a podcast called Techmark Pod. He was referenced as a ‘tech innovator with expertise in UI/UX, Web3, blockchain and startups. Masango is also referenced as the founder of Amani Creative Studios. He has no previous convictions and no pending cases against him.
State Advocate Mujaahid Sadan told the court that Masango had provided several addresses as his place of residence — including the Church of Scientology in the Cape Town CBD and a property in Sea Point, acording to News24.
Sadan asked that the matter be postponed to allow the state time to verify the addresses Masango provided.
He is also accused of ‘unlawfully and intentionally’ assaulting three people, among them former radio host Kieno Kammies.
Masango was arrested last month in Germiston and brought to Cape Town. His arrest followed a complaint from a Cape Town CEO who reported receiving threatening voice notes.
Masango will remain in custody.
IoL reports the matter was postponed to 9 June to allow for the verification of his address and investigation in other details, including the status of his passport.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
