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The acting magistrates - Tiragalo Sejwane and Rhodes Thuwe - who were charged with armed robbery and possession of stolen property, appeared in the Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Prosecutor Micky Thesner told Magistrate Keith Page that the state has yet to conclude its investigation because the cellphone records of the accused are still outstanding.

Thesner asked the court for more time to conclude the investigation before the trial starts.

The two were granted bail of R5000 each last month.

The Department of Justice said that although the two magistrates would be presumed innocent until proven guilty, it would be exceptionally difficult to justify their continued stay in office as acting judicial officers given that they face criminal charges.

Justice Department spokesman Tlali Tlali said the final decision on their future depended on the conclusion of their cases, and that an inquiry with the Magistrates' Commission would be conducted.

Sejwane and Thuwe were arrested last month when they were found in a car that had been reported as stolen.

The case was postponed to June 12. - nkosin@sowetan.co.za