The 23-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the killing of two women and two SAPS Anti-Gang Unit officers in Reiger Park is facing nine serious charges, including four counts of murder, which carry possible life imprisonment if he is convicted.

Regan Collis appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court today, August 12, in connection with the deadly shooting on (Friday) August 7, which left four people dead and sent shockwaves through the Reiger Park community.

The provisional charges against Collis are four counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of possession of unlicensed firearms.
The court explained that, if convicted, the murder and attempted murder charges could each attract a sentence of life imprisonment.

For the robbery with aggravating circumstances charges, the court explained that a first offender could face a minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, 20 years for a second offender and 25 years for a subsequent offender on each count.

On the possession of an unlicensed firearm charges, the court indicated that a first offender could face 15 years’ imprisonment, 20 years for a second offender and 25 years for a third or subsequent offender, unless there are compelling and substantial circumstances justifying a lesser sentence.

Collis was remanded in custody, and the matter was postponed to August 25 for a formal bail application.
The defence indicated that it would apply for bail, while the State confirmed that it would oppose the application.

Hawks link accused to previous crimes, warn of more charges and arrests
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said preliminary investigations had uncovered sufficient information for investigators to consider adding further charges against Collis.

Mogale could not immediately confirm the identity of the alleged victim in the attempted murder charge, but said investigators had a case to present when the accused returns to court for his bail application.

“We have a case that we need to present next week when he is applying for bail, and we will be opposing that bail,” said Mogale.

She added that police could not rule out further arrests as the investigation continues, saying investigators believe Collis may not have acted alone in the latest attacks.

The Reiger Park killings
The charges stem from the shooting on Friday evening, August 7, at about 19:15 at the corner of Erica and Buttercups streets in Reiger Park.

Jaydin Magerman, 27, and Roleen Lessing, 36, were travelling in a car when they were shot through the front windscreen while on their way to a shop.

Two SAPS Anti-Gang Unit members, Constables T Tlomatsane and S Sibeko, were reportedly responding to the sound of gunfire when they were allegedly ambushed by the same assailants.

The officers were shot and their vehicle travelled a short distance before crashing into the concrete fencing of Lakeside Primary School.
Both officers were killed and their two state-issued R5 rifles were stolen.

All four victims were declared dead at the scene.

The incident prompted an increased security presence in Reiger Park, with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia visiting the area the following day and announcing the temporary deployment of the army to help protect residents.

Suspect already facing previous cases
The Boksburg Advertiser understands that Collis was already known to police in connection with a string of previous serious cases.

He was arrested on July 27 while attending court in connection with one of his previous matters.
However, he was released after his scheduled first appearance in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court for an attempted murder case did not proceed because the matter had not been placed on the court roll.

Police said his previous cases include attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Mogale said preliminary investigations had also linked Collis to gang activity in Reiger Park.
She said investigators had “connected the dots” after profiling him and discovering that he had outstanding cases which had also allegedly been committed in Reiger Park.

“The majority of the cases against the accused are murder as well as robbery with aggravating circumstances and all of them were committed in Reiger Park,” said Mogale.

She said investigators had gathered a substantial amount of information which they were currently following, adding that this was why police were not ruling out further arrests.

Mogale could not disclose where Collis was arrested, saying that information could not be divulged at this stage.
Investigations into these cases continue.

Also Read: Reiger Park killings: Suspect expected to appear in court amid tight security