Fourth suspect in Reiger Park killings to appear in Boksburg court

A fourth suspect linked to the Reiger Park shootings that killed two police officers and two women is set to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court alongside three others, the Hawks said.

Arrest after intelligence-led operation

The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Germiston, working with the Gauteng Tactical Response Team and the Gauteng Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, arrested a 26-year-old man during an intelligence-driven operation on Friday. He was allegedly found in possession of a revolver, ammunition and two cellphones.

Link to August 7 killings

Hawks national spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said preliminary investigations have linked the suspect to the deaths of two women and two police officers who were shot and killed in Reiger Park on August 7. Mogale said the suspect was arrested for alleged possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition and that the investigation is continuing.

Who will appear in court

The fourth suspect is expected to appear in court on Tuesday alongside three men already before the court: Reagan Cheslin Collis, 23; Jamal Meyer, 24; and Elvino Levert Crafford, 27.

The killings and charges

The shooting claimed the lives of Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit officers Constables Thapelo Tlomatsana, 29, and Sphiwe Sibeko, 28, and civilians Roleen Lessing and Jayden Margerman. Police said the officers, who were conducting crime-prevention patrols, heard gunshots, drove toward the source and were allegedly ambushed.

Collis faces four counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and charges relating to the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Meyer and Crafford face the same charges under the doctrine of common purpose, with the State alleging all three participated in the crimes.

Bail and evidence

The State is opposing bail, citing alleged gang links, possible witness interference and public safety concerns. The State pointed to CCTV footage, an alleged confession and the recovery of police rifles as part of its case.

The defence positions were noted in court: Collis, through his lawyer Samkele Kuzani, denies the charges and says he was at home when the shooting occurred and alleges he was tortured into confessing. Meyer and Crafford said they were at home when the shooting occurred and that they only went to the scene afterwards. Each of the three men has said they can afford R2,000 bail.

The bail hearing is expected to continue on Tuesday, when CCTV footage is expected to be played.

Family reaction

“We are really tired as a community, as families, we are really, really tired of this,”

said Debbie Boards, the aunt of victim Jayden Margerman, outside the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court last month. Boards urged the court to consider the evidence carefully and not to rush the bail proceedings.