VAN DYK PARK MURDERS: Defence questions detective over investigation into the double murder
Sergeant Moemedi Slele was recalled for further cross-examination as the defence questioned aspects of the investigation into the murders of Jessica Rabe and Yudistan Pillay.
The investigation into the murders of Jessica Rabe (20) and Yudistan Pillay (25) came under further scrutiny at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on November 9, when a Dawn Park SAPS investigating officer was recalled for cross-examination.
Sergeant Moemedi Slele returned to the witness stand for further questioning from defence attorney Ebrahim Omar, who represents accused one, Haroon Rashid Adam (27), who is applying for bail.
Adam and his co-accused, Wessel Hendrick Swart (27), appeared in connection with the murders, which left the two young victims dead after they were reported missing in July.
During the cross-examination, Omar questioned Slele about aspects of the investigation, including the circumstances surrounding the release of a person initially considered a suspect and the evidence available to investigators at the time.
The defence also sought clarity on what the investigating officer considered sufficient evidence and what steps police intended to take should further evidence emerge.
Slele explained that a statement had not been obtained at the time, which contributed to the decision that there was insufficient evidence to proceed against the individual.
Omar further questioned the officer about the possibility of recalling the person to provide additional information and the procedures that could be followed should investigators establish further grounds for questioning them.
The questioning also touched on how police intended to continue pursuing possible leads, with Slele maintaining that investigators had other methods available to them.
Following the cross-examination, the matter turned to the outstanding work in the investigation and the availability of further submissions.
Swart had previously abandoned his bail application, while Adam remains before the court.
The matter was postponed to November 12 for possible arguments pertaining to the Adam bail hearing.
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