Former Community Policing Forum (CPF) members, Ismaeel Dhalech and Ebrahim Adams, have been found not guilty of all charges relating to the 2022 murder of 26-year-old Khulekani Hlatshwayo.

The verdict was delivered in the Newcastle Regional Court today, reports the Northern Natal News.

The outcome comes after the pair – along with two other CPF members, Mahomed Ashraf and Yaseen Mohamed – were arrested on September 23, 2024, in connection with Hlatshwayo’s murder.

Following a gruelling two and a half months in custody, they were released on bail pending trial.

Co-accused acquitted

On November 26, co-accused Mahomed Ashraf and Yaseen Mohamed were acquitted of all charges after they were granted a Section 174 discharge, leaving Dhalech and Adams as the remaining accused in the matter.

During closing arguments on February 23, defence attorneys Ravindra Maniklall and Zubair Chothia highlighted what they described as significant inconsistencies and contradictions in the state’s case.

“It is not about the quantity of evidence presented, but the quality,” Maniklall told the court, arguing that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient proof linking the accused to the crime.

Court finds insufficient evidence

Chothia also criticised the investigation, alleging misconduct in the handling of witnesses.

He referred to testimony suggesting that the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Henning De Meyer, had coerced witnesses into implicating Dhalech by inserting his name as the perpetrator.

Case closed

After a legal battle spanning nearly two years, Magistrate S Sibisi finally delivered judgment, finding both Dhalech and Adams not guilty on all charges.

According to Sibisi, the state had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Dhalech and Adams had participated in the assault on Hlatshwayo with the intention of killing him.

The Newcastle Advertiser reached out to defence attorney Zubair Chothia for comment.

Chothia stated that while this outcome brings relief, the impact of these proceedings on their lives and families has been profound.

“They have always maintained their innocence, and this judgment confirms this. Our clients are currently considering their legal position and reserve their rights to take further action where appropriate,” he concluded.

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