’Snake man’ faces six charges and other brief reports

* A woman alleged to be a gang member is expected to divulge details to the Johannesburg High Court of how she and three others, posing as police, preyed on victims. Florence Grootboom of Hillbrow has turned State witness in the trial of the three who are suspected members of a ‘Blue Light Gang’. – News24 * Taxi tycoon Mawethu Makasi has lost an appeal against a Port Elizabeth High Court order that he may not dispose of his assets pending the finalisation of a criminal trial against him this month. Makasi faces two charges of vehicle theft. – The Herald * An old coat-of-arms displayed above the judge\'s bench in Phalaborwa Magistrates’ Court has been quietly removed after media reports pointed out it was still there, years after the country had adopted a new one. Mark Scott-Crossley, Richard Mathebula, and Simon Mathebula, are on trial in the court for allegedly throwing Nelson Chisale, to the lions last year. – Daily Dispatch * More than 350 000 pregnancies have been terminated since the implementation of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act eight years ago – with an average of 45 000 legal abortions performed annually. – The Mercury