Cape Town - The mother of one of the suspects accused of robbing missing German tourist Nick Frischke, along with three police officers stationed in Hout Bay, have provided key evidence in the State’s case.
The witnesses took the stand on Friday in the Wynberg Regional Court.
The testimonies related to an incident involving a delivery truck and crime spree that took place on the same day as Frischke’s robbery in February 2023.
Carlo Geunantin, 23, Vanroy Petersen, 22, Melvin Geunantin, 36, and Ishaam Fischer, 21, are facing charges relating to the robbery of Frischke and a number of robberies, which allegedly took place in the Hout Bay precinct during the same period.
The charges include robbery, house breaking, firearm and ammunition-related charges and charges under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
They have pleaded not guilty despite the presence of DNA in some instances.
The testimony of Petersen’s mother also formed part of proceedings on Friday.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said the matter was postponed to 2025 following the fresh batch of testimonies.
“The case has been postponed until January 16 and 17 2025 for trial,” he said.
“We had four witnesses including the mother of the accused two.”
A concerned resident, who is working closely with police and authorities and cannot be identified due to the sensitivity of the case, said they were unhappy that more pressure had not been placed on the case.
“We are worried that authorities have not asked for a reward to solve this case because Nick has not yet been found,” she said.
“The testimonies being heard now in court are showing how they went on a massive crime spree that week while one accused was out on bail at the time.”
Earlier, family offered a R20 000 reward for information about Frischke.
Frischke, who has been missing for nearly two years, disappeared while hiking on the Hangberg trail along Hout Bay and Sandy Bay.
The State is set to prove the alleged gang members robbed Frischke of his personal belongings such as his Redmi Note 8 Pro cell phone and backpack.