A 29 year old South African Police Service (SAPS) Constable, Jappie Tshabalala stationed at Reitz SAPS appeared at Reitz Magistrates Court today, 14 May 2010, on charges of murder and defeating the end of justice.
This comes after he confessed to a Magistrate at Reitz on 11 May 2010 to have kept the body of the deceased, Samson Ngwenya who was his colleague in his house from 1 to 5 May 2010. He alleges that the decease took his service pistol and committed suicide while he was taking a bath. The incident happened on 1 May 2010. The suspect dumped the deceased body on the Bethlehem road.
The suspect was arrested by the police. The ICD took over the investigation after the family of the deceased laid a complaint to the ICD that they were not satisfied with matter being investigated by the police.
The accused appeared in court today and the case was postponed to 9 June for a formal bail application. ICD will oppose bail. The suspect will remain in custody at Bethlehem prison.
For enquiries contact:
Mr Moses Dlamini
National Spokesperson
Cell: 082 809 1927
Issued by: Independent Complaints Directorate
17 May 2010
Source: Independent Complaints Directorate (http://www.icd.gov.za)
