The four SAPS officers accused of killing Mthokozisi Ntumba appeared in court where it was determined that they were eligible for bail.
Mthokozisi Ntumba alleged killers freed on bail
On Friday, the Johannesburg court was packed to the rafters, as 27-year-old Tshepiso Kekana, Boitumelo Motseothata (43), Madimetsa Legodi (37), and 51-year-old Victor Mohammed took their seats on the dock to proceed with the bail hearing.
All four suspects informed Magistrate Sipho Sibanyoni that they would enter a not guilty plea in the charges of murder, attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice.
According to Newzroom Afrika, each accused indicated their intentions to fight the case to the bitter end without any attempts of fleeing or disrupting the trial.
They further submitted proof of their South African residential addresses and assured the court that since they are sole breadwinners in their respective homes, they had no incentive to conjure up a Bushiri-esque escape.
What happens now?
Following their submissions, Magistrate Sibanyoni concurred with the accused’s pleas and granted each bail at an undisclosed amount.
From our understanding, the shamed officers will be released back into society until the conclusion of a trial that could stretch on for years.
At the height of concern, at this stage, is the accused’s access to police resources that could taint the State’s case. At the time this article was published, no word had been heard from the police on the outcome of Friday’s court appearance.
Ntumba, a recent Masters graduate and former employee of the Department of Human Settlements, was running errands in Braamfontein — during the violent student protests — when he was shot and killed by armed officers.
The 35-year-old, who was a father of three, was not part of the protest action. He was simply at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Even worse, some may argue that he was met with a level of aggression that should have never been exerted by police officers.
The suspects are expected back in court for pre-trial hearings at a date that has yet to be confirmed.