“Rock-throwers will flee if granted bail” – Investigating officer

The three men who stand accused of the rock-throwing murder of two youths appeared once again in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court this morning.

In court, investigating officer Ivan Padayachee told magistrate Vera Alamchand that they had managed to trace five witnesses to the incident that led to the deaths of  Amina Haffajee (16) and her seven year old brother, Abdur on December 27 last year.

Also read: Three arrested for Tongaat rock-throwing deaths

Padayachee recounted how Selvan Govender (46) – who stands accused alongside his son Nathan (27) – allegedly counted down as he watched the target vehicle approach the bridge before the third accused, Qiniso Bhekithemba Gumbi (20) dropped the rock onto the Vereeniging holidaymakers’ car.

It is believed there is still a fourth suspect outstanding.

In their last appearance in court, Padayachee argued that if granted bail the accused would interfere with State witnesses. At the time it was revealed that the witnesses are minors between the ages of 9-16.

He also told the court that the case against the three was so overwhelming that they might choose to flee in an attempt to evade their trial.

The three men denied any involvement in the incident and claimed they are being wrongfully accused. Selvan, a mechanic said he had endured both physical and emotional trauma during his incarceration and that not being able to work was putting his family in financial strain.

In their statements in court, it was revealed that both Nathan and Gumbi worked as Selvan’s assistants as motor mechanics. Both Selvan and his son said they could only afford R5000 bail apiece.

The horrific murders that touched the hearts of the nation took place when the Haffajees were driving north on the N2.

When they passed beneath the bridge over the N2 highway on the Greylands Road leading to Crocodile Creek, a boulder was thrown from the bridge, smashing through the windscreen and killing Amina and Abdur.

Bail applications for the three men have stretched over several weeks and are expected to continue through today (Thursday).

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