Former African National Congress (ANC) staffer, Errol Velile Present and his co-accused on Friday, failed to convince the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court to hand them the police docket which they claim will assist them during their bail application.

The accused wanted to see contents of the docket after the State added additional charges on Tuesday.

The new charges, which were announced by State prosecutor Paseka Tameli included the attempted murder charge as well as possession of suspected stolen vehicles for all four accused.

The defence lawyers asserted that they were caught unaware by the additional charges, and launched an application for Magistrate John Baloyi to order the State to grant them the case docket to better prepare for the bail application.

"Application by the defence is premature and dismissed," Baloyi said.

Present is accused number four in the case, while Zakhele Zondo is accused one; Itumeleng Manama is accused two; and Bheki Biyela is accused three.

The crimes relate to an incident in July at a mall in Dobsonville, Soweto where the four are alleged to have “forcefully” robbed a G4S cash van as well as shooting and critically injuring one of the guards.

On Friday, the four men walked up the dock and had their heads covered with their jackets hiding their faces.

There was heavy police presence in the court room while some officers stood at the door and vetted everyone coming. 

Everyone was required to sign in their details before entering the court room.

The matter was adjourned briefly and is expected to continue for bail application proceedings.