Poortman murder accused abandon bail
Slain police Captain Kenneth Poortman's wife Ann broke down on Wednesday when she saw the four men accused or murdering her husband.
Tshegofatso Ngobeni
Three of four people accused in the murder of police captain Kenneth Poortman abandoned their bail applications on Wednesday.
Sipho Tlou (25), Thabo Mampa (age undisclosed), Themba Mbowane (34) did so when they appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s court.
The fourth accused, Steven Meda, does not qualify for bail because he is an illegal immigrant.
All four will be back in court on 29 March.
The men are charged with a schedule six murder, which raises the requirement for bail.
Bail is usually granted when the presiding officer deems this to be is in the interest of justice.
In the case of a schedule six offence, the accused must prove exceptional circumstances to be granted bail.
Poortman’s wife Ann, who is also a spokesperson for the Central police station, was accompanied by relatives in court.
She broke down as she saw the accused. Poortman learned of her husband’s death when she arrived on the crime scene as part of her duties as a spokesperson.
The captain’s body was found on the side of the Mabopane highway on 27 December. He had been shot in what appeared to have been a hijacking.
His car and gun were later found during the arrest of the men now standing trial for his murder.
Also read:
Latest suspect appears in court for cop murder
Two to appear in court after police officer’s murder
Police official killed during hijack
More arrested after police officer’s murder
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