Police trio from eMbalenhle get R1000 bail each
Family demands justice after man dies in suspicious crash.
The family of Phineas Mosima (33), who died under mysterious circumstances following a car crash in Ext 26 in eMbalenhle on 17 August, is demanding justice.
In the meantime, the three local police officers who have been arrested in connection with his death, were granted bail of R1 000 each in the Evander Magistrate’s Court.
Constables Ina Mahlangu (34), Lucky Shabangu (35) and Musa Hlanze (32) were arrested on 26 August and face charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Police confirmed their arrests followed investigations into what was initially referred to as a “mysterious death”. Mosima was transported to hospital after the crash but was certified dead on arrival.
His sister, Rebbeca Mosima, said the family is still struggling to cope with the trauma.
“The day we received the call that my brother was dead was difficult, especially having to tell our mother. Phineas was a disciplined person. At first, we thought criminals had attacked him, but to later hear that police officers were suspects shocked us. If he had broken the law, they should have arrested him, not taken his life,” she said.
Phineas was laid to rest on 23 August in Limpopo. He leaves behind a three-year-old son, and the family is concerned about how they will one day explain the circumstances of his death to the child.
“This is painful. What will happen to the child when he grows up and learns that the police took his father’s life? As a family, we want these officers jailed for life. They are supposed to enforce law and order, not destroy lives,” Mosima added.
The three cops must be back in the dock of the Evander court on October 8.
