Case against alleged cop killer ‘pathetic’ – defence
The police officer accused of gunning down Lieutenant Colonel Renier Lagois was released on R5000 bail.
The State’s case has been described as “pathetic” in the trial of a constable accused of having killed Moot police officer Lt-Col Renier Lagois.
Kineil Muthray, acting for Constable Rishen Rampashard, made this assertion when his client appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Rappashard for allegedly shot and killed Lagois (42) at his Moot home in January. Lagois was shot 14 times.
Muthray reportedly questioned the testimony of investigating officer Captain Fire Masilela, saying his investigative work was insufficient to prove or disprove Rampashard’s version of events.
“This is how priority crimes are being conducted. It is pathetic to say the least,” Muthray was quoted as saying.
Masilela had testified that he took statements from neither the victim’s former girlfriend Caroline Naidoo nor a helper. Both were at the scene and were suspects in the murder, he contended.
Masilela earlier told the court Rampashard had confessed to plotting the murder with Naidoo in a bid to gain money.
Muthray asked the captain on Friday: “Last week you testified that the department [police] would pay out some money if Lagois died. Who would be the beneficiary?”
Masilela: “The next of kin.”
Muthray: “Caroline is not a next of kin. There is no blood relationship so why would she be a beneficiary?”
Masilela said he could not say who would be the beneficiary.
Lagois brother Hennie has said that Rampashard and Naidoo were involved in a romantic relationship.
Rampashard was released on R5 000 bail and the matter will resume in April.
Also read:
Arrest made in Moot cop murder case
Police officer shot and killed in Moot home
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