The Johannesburg Central Magistrates’ Court denied bail for Sithabiso Cyprian Memela and Melusi Mkhwuanazi, who stand accused of murdering Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer DA Ratshikhopha.
Ratshikhopha was killed when he tried to stop them from hijacking a mini-bus taxi in Booysens on 13 February.
Both representatives from the JMPD and Councillor Michael Sun, MMC for Public Safety attended the court proceedings held on Wednesday, 18 April.
According to Sun, during the heated court arguments, Senior Prosecutor Ms Colleen Ryan argued that bail should be denied as the two accused are facing serious criminal charges as contained in Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and if convicted, could face life in imprisonment.
Sun also mentioned that although the lawyers for the accused argued that neither of their clients had any previous convictions and are not a flight risk, it was revealed by the Prosecutor that Memela also has a pending case in which he is charged for possession of a stolen vehicle.
After hearing arguments from the lawyers representing the accused as well as from the Prosecutor, Presiding Magistrate L Chetty ordered that the matter be remanded to Friday, 20 April for her ruling.
Bail was denied on Friday morning by Magistrate Chetty. The court case resumes on 7 June.
“As the City, we fully welcome the ruling to deny bail to the two murder suspects and we will continue to cooperate with the police to ensure that the prosecution has a strong case to fight. We will not sleep until the third suspect who is still on the run is apprehended and brought to court to face the full might of the law,” said Sun.
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