3 days ago
Man accused of threatening Ramaphosa, Cape Town mayor referred for psychiatric evaluation
Phillip Sebole Masango, who is accused of threatening President Cyril Ramaphosa and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, has been referred to Valkenberg Hospital for psychiatric evaluation.
The 28-year-old appeared calm during his court appearance on Thursday.
Masango, who also faces assault charges, was arrested in Germiston following a Hawks investigation.
The man accused of threatening President Cyril Ramaphosa and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis will spend the next 30 days at Valkenberg Hospital for observation.
This after a brief report on 28-year-old Phillip Sebole Masango's mental health was submitted to the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
Masango appeared calmer in court on Thursday compared to his demeanour at his last appearance, where he had angrily rejected family members' claims that he may have a mental disorder.
At Thursday's appearance, State advocate Mujaahid Sadan told the court Masango should undergo a 30-day mental health evaluation.
Masango attempted to address the court, pulling out two pages and what looked like a business card from his pocket.
But he was denied the opportunity to speak.
His attorney later took the documents from him. The contents were not read in court.
Neither were the full details of the report.
The defence did not oppose the request for a psychiatric referral.
Masango remains in custody and is expected back in court on 25 July, coinciding with the completion of his psychiatric assessment.
He is accused of sending threatening voice notes in May 2025, in which he allegedly incited violence and threatened to kill Ramaphosa and Hill-Lewis.
He also faces assault charges related to incidents involving three people, including former radio personality Kieno Kammies.
Masango was arrested in Germiston and transported to Cape Town.
The Hawks' Crimes Against the State unit took over the case, following a complaint by an unnamed Cape Town-based CEO who he had also allegedly threatened.
A court order prohibiting the publication of Masango's face remains in place.
