Family pleads with court not to rush Reiger Park murder case, fears more bloodshed if accused released

Family members of one of the civilians killed in the Reiger Park shooting have urged the court to move slowly on bail applications and to keep the accused detained if bail is denied, according to IOL.

Relatives call for careful handling of the case

According to IOL, the grieving family of one of the two women killed alongside two police officers asked the court not to rush the proceedings and stressed that they did not want the accused returning to the streets if bail is granted.

Speaking to media outside the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court, Debbie Boards identified by IOL as the aunt of victim Jayden Margerman said:

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

According to IOL, Margerman was killed days before her birthday and has since been buried.

What happened in Reiger Park

According to IOL, the shooting took place at about 7pm on August 7 in Reiger Park and claimed the lives of four people: Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit officers Constables Thapelo Tlomatsana, 29, and Sphiwe Sibeko, 28, and civilians Roleen Lessing and Jayden Margerman.

Police told the court, according to IOL, that the officers were conducting crime-prevention patrols when they heard gunshots, drove toward the source and were allegedly ambushed.

Accused, charges and defence positions

According to IOL, three men Reagan Cheslin Collis, 23; Jamal Meyer, 24; and Elvino Levert Crafford, 27 appeared in court for bail applications. IOL reports Collis faces four counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and charges related to possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

According to IOL, Meyer and Crafford face the same charges under the doctrine of common purpose, with the state alleging that all three took part in the crimes.

According to IOL, Collis, through his lawyer Samkele Kuzani, denies the charges and says he was at home when the shooting occurred; he also alleges police tortured him into confessing. According to IOL, Meyer and Crafford likewise told the court they were at home when the shooting occurred.

Bail hearing and state opposition

According to IOL, the state is opposing bail, citing alleged gang links, potential witness interference and public safety concerns. IOL reports the accused said they could each afford R2,000 bail.

According to IOL, the matter was postponed to September 8, when the bail hearing is expected to continue and CCTV footage is expected to be played.

Community fears and calls for justice

According to IOL, Boards told the court the community has endured repeated shootings and that many families in Reiger Park have been affected by gun violence. She urged the court to take its time in considering the evidence so residents can feel safe again.

“If these people need to go where they have to go – if these children have to be locked up – not that we (are) saying they must be locked up but if they should be locked up it must happen so that we can also have a peaceful life,” Boards said, according to IOL.