THE Durban Regional Court dismissed the evidence of the three men charged with the murder of metro police officer Superintendent Errol Ogle.

Ogle was a resident of Wentworth.

Also read: Tensions rise on The Bluff over ratepayers association’s opposition to community initiatives

The accused, Mlungisi Phakamani Mpanza, Mzomuhle Lawrence Gamede and Sabelo Mncube, appeared in the Durban Regional Court from June 23 to 27.

They disputed the confession statements that link them to Ogle’s death. Instead they said the police forced them to sign those statements.

The court began hearing a trial within a trial to determine if the alleged confessions were admissible.

On June 26, the court dismissed the evidence presented by the accused and their legal team.

They are facing charges of robbery with aggravated circumstances, kidnapping, and murder.

On June 27, the matter was adjourned for September 29 and October 3 for the continuation of the trial.

According to the information presented in court, accused one and three were employed by a wholesaler of meat in Pinetown.

Prior to the incident accused one‘s employment was terminated after he embarked on an illegal strike.

Aggravated by this, he and accused three conspired to rob one of the Chester Meats delivery trucks of its cargo. They enlisted the assistance of accused two and others.

The court heard that the assailants knew and foresaw that they would use force to achieve their objectives, to overcome any resistance to their plans, and make good their escape.

Also read: Man fined R10 000 for false hijacking report

The accused then armed themselves with firearms. In the early morning of July 20, 2023, they travelled in a vehicle along the M7 Highway in Queensburgh following a truck that was transporting meat worth over R700 000.

The court heard that they managed to intercept it along the highway.

Ogle was on duty in a marked metro police vehicle. He came upon the scene and pulled over a short distance away from the truck on the highway.

Two of the assailants, upon noticing this, proceeded to Ogle’s vehicle and fired at him while he was still in the car.

They shot Ogle in the chest and he died at the scene.

According to the information presented in court, the two assailants then removed the deceased from the vehicle and fled the scene in his vehicle after removing his service pistol.

One of the assailants fled the scene in the vehicle while others fled the scene on foot.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.