JP: DENY 'KILLER' BAIL

CITY of Cape Town security chief JP Smith has criticised the State for not opposing bail for an accused cop killer.

Craig “Krake” De Lilly, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates Court yesterday after his arrest on Friday following the emergence of new information in the murder case of traffic officer Walton van Rooyen on 17 March 2020.

De Lilly, a taxi driver, is alleged to have shot and killed Van Rooyen in his patrol car.

De Lilly was arrested along with his gaatjie and two other men shortly after the shooting in Acre Road, however a month later the case was provisionally withdrawn.

The accused returned to the dock making a brief court appearance yesterday on Schedule 6 charges of murder, the unlawful possession of a 9mm pistol and the unlawful possession of 14 cartridges.

The court heard that the warrant for his arrest was issued back in March 2025.

The State said that the investigation is complete and that it will not oppose bail. 

However, after the hearing Smith put out a statement pleading for the State to reconsider their decision on his bail.

Smith said: “While the reasons for the unopposed bail application are unclear at the stage, we call on the courts to use their discretion when the matter returns to court next week.

“We believe that individuals accused of murdering officers in the line of duty should not be allowed to roam our streets while on trial. 

“If we cannot protect our officers, we cannot protect the public.”

Smith added: “We hope this arrest brings the family some comfort and we call on the courts to act diligently.

“We hope this serves as a lesson to those who callously kill officers executing their duties.

The case was postponed to 28 July for bail information and for a lawyer to represent the accused.

De Lilly is alleged to be a member of the 26s gang and has a criminal record dating back to 1999 and has been convicted of robbery, kidnapping and rape.

Despite having visible “26” tjappies on his chest, his angry relatives previously claimed he was not a skollie.