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Police officers accused of murdering Tshwane’s father, Mthokozisi Ntumba, during protests by Wits students, were released on bail.
Sheriff Tshepiso Kekana, Sergeants Boitumelo Motseothata and Madimeja Legodi; and Warrant Officer Victor Nkosinathi Mohammed appeared at the Johannesburg Regional Court on Friday morning, where they were granted bail of R8,000 each.
In delivering his ruling, Judge Sipho Sibanyoni said that while the state had argued that the defendant’s release on bail would lead to a public outcry, no evidence to this effect had been adduced.
Read also: The officers left the scene without helping Ntumba die, according to the court
The magistrate pointed out that no member of the community, neither the general public nor the student community, has been summoned to give a statement in support of these statements.
“Statements made from the bar and without backing, do not carry any weight. They are not evidence, ”Sibanyoni said.
Ntumba died after being shot by rubber bullets during student protests in Braamfontein, downtown Johannesburg, earlier this month. The 35-year-old official was caught in the crossfire during battles between police and students as he left his doctor’s rooms.
Kekana, Motseothata, Legodi and Mohammed were arrested last week on charges of murder, attempted murder and annulment of the purposes of justice.
During his request for bail, heard on Wednesday, the state strongly opposed his release.
Read also: ‘Police keep killing, like they did in Sharpville,’ says Right2Know
State Prosecutor Nkosinathi Zuma read the affidavits submitted by Investigative Officer of the Independent Police Directorate of Investigations Judy Thwala and highlighted the autopsy findings. He said Ntumba died from rubber bullet wounds to the chest. During the autopsy, a ballistics expert confirmed that he was shot at close range of about 4 meters.
For their part, the defendants have denied the accusations against them and indicated that they intend to plead not guilty.
The case is due back to court in May.
Meanwhile, the defendants have been prohibited from interfering with or having direct or indirect contact with state witnesses. They are also not allowed to apply for any travel documents until the matter is finalized.
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