‘Court will not be held ransom’: Seven murder-accused EMPD cops granted bail

The State said it opposed bail over fears the EMPD officers would intimidate witnesses and conceal evidence. They were granted R3000 bail.

Oct 17, 2022 - 16:44
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‘Court will not be held ransom’: Seven murder-accused EMPD cops granted bail

The seven Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers accused of murder were granted bail by the Tsakane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 October, despite opposition from the State and community members.

EMPD COPS GRANTED BAIL

Laurens Daniel Venter, 49, Nkululeko Walter Mtetwa, 36, Daniel Eric van Wyk, 39, Gideon Johannes Myburg, 60, Justin Sibusiso Ncube, 50, Thamodhran Pillay, 50, and Eugene Phillip Raubenheimer, 62 were granted R3000 bail each.

The EMPD members stand accused of murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and defeating the ends of justice.

The accused allegedly raided a house in Langaville, Extension 6, on 8 September. During the raid, a 19-year-old man was killed and a 29-year-old man was shot.

READ MORE: SEVEN EMPD OFFICERS ARRESTED

“The seven were arrested on 10 and 11 September 2022 after they handed themselves over at the police station,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.

Mahanjana said the State opposed the bail application over fears that the accused are likely to intimidate witnesses and conceal evidence. “…this was evident from the manner in which they handled the crime scene.”

The presiding officer, however, granted the accused bail and in his judgement, he said the court would not be held ransom by protesting groups within the community by denying bail.

The seven EMPD officers are due back in court on 20 October. The investigation continues and the matter is expected to be transferred to the Regional Court.

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