Watch: 3rd accused appears in court over Reiger Park killings
Representing three men accused of killing two police officers and two women, a defence attorney alleges his clients were assaulted during arrest, with the Hawks awaiting medical assessments.
Alvino Crawford (27), the third suspect arrested in connection with the Reiger Park killings, made his first appearance in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court today (August 21), reports Boksburg Advertiser.
Crawford, who is reportedly the cousin of accused number one, Regan Collis (23), faces the same charges as his co-accused.
His appearance comes as the investigation into the deadly shooting continues.
The attack claimed the lives of Jaydin Magerman (27), Roleen Lessing (31), and SAPS Anti-Gang Unit members Constables Thapelo Tlomatsane (29) and Sphiwe Sibeko (28).
The charges levelled against the trio include four counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of unlawful possession of firearms.
Crawford was arrested on Wednesday (August 19) by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Germiston following an intelligence-driven operation.
First accused Collis was arrested and appeared in court on August 12, while the second accused, Jamal Meyer (24), was arrested on August 16 and made his first appearance on Wednesday (August 19).
During their separate appearances, defence attorney Samkele Kuzani, who represents all three accused, told the court that his clients had allegedly been assaulted by police during their arrests.
Meyer previously told the court that he had suffered lacerations and bruising and complained of sharp pain in his chest.
Kuzani also told the court that Crawford complained of intense pain and lacerations to his right cheek and feared he may have internal bleeding, although this had not yet been medically confirmed.
Kuzani further said Collis had also alleged that he was assaulted and suspected that he may have suffered internal bleeding.
The Hawks have said they will await the medical assessments and resulting J88 reports before the allegations are dealt with, potentially by IPID.
The Hawks have also not ruled out further arrests as the investigation continues and investigators search for the murder weapons.
The three accused are expected to return to the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on August 25, when they will be joined in the matter and are expected to apply for bail.
The state has indicated that it will oppose bail.
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