SWS reaction officer Jan Cameron’s murder: Court refuses accused’s bail application

Bail was refused on January 7 to Meshack Gwindingwe (24), who is charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Spot Watch Security (SWS) reaction officer Jan Cameron (49).

Cameron was murdered while responding to a reported business robbery in Middle Road, Bartlett, in the early hours of November 6, 2025.

Gwindingwe appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court alongside his co-accused, Simphiwe Fuga Mthombeni (33), who has not applied for bail.

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In refusing bail, Magistrate Sipho Manana said the application fell under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which places a clear onus on an accused to prove the existence of exceptional circumstances justifying release on bail.

The accused relied on an affidavit in which he denied any involvement in the offences and claimed he was not present at the scene. He further asserted that he had a fixed address, community ties, and no intention of evading trial.

However, the magistrate found that Gwindingwe failed to meaningfully challenge the investigating officer’s evidence that he and his co-accused were chased by police and apprehended at a dam, where Gwindingwe was found hiding in reeds.

The court noted that the affidavit lacked sufficient detail and failed to explain his movements prior to his arrest. The magistrate further found that he did not contradict material aspects of the State’s version.
Addressing identification evidence, the court acknowledged that Gwindingwe was not pointed out during a formal identification parade.

However, Manana ruled that this factor could not be regarded as exceptional for bail purposes, as the credibility of witnesses can only be properly assessed during the trial.

The magistrate also considered evidence relating to the accused’s personal circumstances, including his family and employment claims.

The court found that while Gwindingwe has a brother residing in South Africa, his strongest emotional and family ties are outside the country. His employment was not substantiated by documentary proof.

In weighing the interests of justice, the court found that grounds under Section 60(4)(b) and Section 60(4)(d) of the Criminal Procedure Act had been established.

These include the likelihood that the accused may evade trial and that his release could undermine the proper functioning of the criminal justice system.

Manana further held that the State’s case against Gwindingwe could not be regarded as weak at this stage, particularly considering the undisputed evidence surrounding the arrest and the seriousness of the charges, which carry minimum sentences upon conviction.

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“The interests of justice do not permit the release of the accused on bail,” Manana ruled.

Cameron’s sister, Jakkie Hickman, said the family felt a sense of relief following the bail ruling. She said that while nothing could bring her brother back, the family was grateful that the legal process was continuing.

“We hope that justice will prevail.”

The matter was postponed to February 23.