Seven EMPD members face range of charges, including murder and defeating the ends of justice

EMPD drill after a State of the City address at the Germiston civic center.Image:Matthews Baloyi

EMPD drill after a State of the City address at the Germiston civic center.Image:Matthews Baloyi

Published Oct 17, 2022

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Seven Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) members were granted bail by the Tsakane Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The officers are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, assault grievous bodily harm and defeating the ends of justice.

It is alleged that on September 8, just before midnight, the seven EMPD members raided a house that belonged to one of the complainants in the matter.

During the raid, a 19-year-old man was killed and a 29-year-old man was shot.

NPA regional Gauteng Division: Pretoria spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the court granted bail of R3 000 each to the officers. They are: Laurens Daniel Venter, 49; Nkululeko Walter Mtetwa, 36; Daniel Eric van Wyk, 39; Gideon Johannes Myburg, 60; Justin Sibusiso Ncube, 50; Thamodhran Pillay, 50; and Eugene Phillip Raubenheimer, 62.

Mahanjana said the seven were arrested on September 10 and 11 after they handed themselves over at the police station.

“The State opposed the bail application of the seven officials and told the court that they are likely to intimidate witnesses and conceal evidence, and this was evident from the manner in which they handled the crime scene. However, the magistrate granted them bail and in his judgment said that the court will not be held ransom by protesting groups within the community by denying bail,” said Mahanjana.

The matter was postponed to October 20 for further investigation and transfer to the regional court.