THE first accused in the murder trial of metro police officer, Acting Lieutenant Colonel Errol Ogle, denied any involvement with the third accused or with another man believed to be a hitman in the case.

Mlungisi Phakamani Mpanza (first accused), Mzomuhle Lawrence Gamede and Sabelo Mncube appeared at the Durban High Court from February 23 to 27.

Cellphone records presented by a network expert showed that a phone belonging to Mpanza was in regular communication with Mncube and the alleged hitman, who is currently on the run.

The calls took place on July 20, 2023, the day Ogle was killed, and the day before.

During cross-examination on February 26, Mpanza was presented with information by the State indicating that he had called a man known as Khaye, who is still on the run, and that his phone signal was detected in Umlazi’s Q Section. Khaye is the alleged hitman involved in Ogle’s murder.

The State also presented evidence that Mpanza phoned Khaye on July 19, 2023. The call lasted 30 seconds, and at the time, his phone signal was traced to Cato Manor.

Also read: Police search for Wentworth cop’s killers

The State also presented the evidence of a witness known as Jam-Jam, who told the court that on July 19, he and Mpanza went to Umlazi to fetch a man only identified as Spha.

Spha is the man who was shot and killed during a shoot-out with the police in Umlazi Q section in September 2024.

Mpanza told the court that Jam-Jam was not telling the truth. However, the prosecutor told the court that on this day Mpanza’s phone signal was traced to Umlazi Q Section. Mpanza denied ever being to Umlazi on July 20.

“I cannot dispute the cellphone expert’s findings, as they are qualified in their field. However, I maintain that my phone was with me at all times, and I was never in Umlazi’s Q Section on July 20, 2023,” said Mpanza.

He told the court that the only reason he was in constant contact with Jam-Jam was because he was supposed to pay back the money that he borrowed from accused three, Sabelo Mncube.

Also read: Justice moves forward for slain Wentworth cop

“He promised to come to me to repay the money he owed Mncube. On July 20, I spoke to him and asked when he would settle the debt. I kept calling him, and he continued to promise payment, but he never followed through,” he said.

He also told the court that on the day when Ogle was killed, he went to look for a job near Malvern, which is close to Chester Meats where he was employed. At this time, Mpanza was not working because they embarked on an illegal strike.

Aggravated by this, Mpanza and Mncube conspired to rob one of the Chester Meats delivery trucks of its cargo. According to the evidence in court, they enlisted the assistance of accused two, Gamede and others.

The court heard that they 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: Suspect arrested for shooting Metro cop

The accused then armed themselves with firearms. In the early morning on 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, a Wentworth resident, was on duty in a marked metro police vehicle on the day of the incident.

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 information presented in court, the accused removed the deceased from the vehicle, took his service pistol and fled the scene. One of the killers drove off in the vehicle, while the other escaped on foot.

The matter was adjourned until March 10 for final presentations between the State and the defence.

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