With the investigation into a series of firearms related charges against a Gqeberha gun dealer drawing to a close, the National Prosecuting Authority will need to decide which court will host her trial in the new year.
Karen Webb made a brief appearance in the city’s magistrate’s court on Tuesday where the prosecution indicated that the investigation was complete and it was ready to proceed to trial.
For the first time since her arrest in February, Webb did not occupy the dock alone, as her co-accused on some of the charges, Francois van der Merwe, stood next to her.
They face charges related to the illegal transportation of firearms when Webb’s Arms in Central, Gqeberha, closed down and they moved firearms to another gunsmith in Sedgefield.
It is alleged that the weapons were not packaged properly for transport and Van der Merwe took illegal possession of the firearms as Webb was not present throughout the transport process.
In addition, Webb also faces charges of theft of firearms, as well as the illegal sale of firearms to people not allowed to possess them.
A series of theft charges have also been brought against her for allegedly taking payment for firearms which she failed to provide.
During her court appearance on Tuesday, more theft charges were added to her ongoing case.
She also faces charges with correctional services after she was allegedly found in possession of contraband, in the form of a cellphone, on two occasions since her arrest.
On Tuesday, Webb’s parents sat in the front row of the public gallery and she and her mother blew kisses at each other.
State advocate Liezel Landman indicated that the matter would be postponed to January 28 for the director of public prosecutions to decide whether the case would be heard at the regional court or transferred to the Gqeberha high court.
Webb’s attorney, Paul Roelofse, inquired if the investigation was complete and requested that the next date be the final remand before the matter goes to trial.
Landman agreed and said the investigation was complete and the prosecution was ready to proceed to trial.
Roelofse also indicated that they still intended to appeal against the refusal of his client’s bail application.
Webb remains in custody while Van der Merwe is out on bail.
HeraldLIVE
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