The Tsakane Magistrates’ Court granted bail of R3 000 each to seven Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department officials, 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).
The seven are facing a charge of murder, attempted murder, assault with grievous bodily harm and defeating the ends of justice.
It is alleged that on 08 September 2022 just before midnight the seven EMPD officials raided the house that belonged to one of the complainants in the matter. During the raid two males, a 19-year-old was killed, and a 29-year-old was shot.
The seven were arrested on 10 and 11 September 2022 after they handed themselves over at the police station. The state opposed the bail application of the seven officials and told the court that they are likely to intimidate witnesses and conceal evidence and this was evident from the manner in which they handled the crime scene. However, the magistrate granted them bail and in his judgment said that the court will not be held in ransom by protesting groups within the community by denying bail.
The matter was postponed to 20 October 2022 for further investigation and transfer to the regional court.
