The 20-year-old man arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a police officer and wounding his colleague in Wesbank on Sunday made his first appearance at the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Shane Cecil Swartz face charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and defeating the ends of justice.
Swartz allegedly shot Warrant Officer Hilton Joseph, 52, and his 29-year-old colleague as they were looking for a wanted suspect at a tavern in Diepwater Street.
Joseph was shot in the head and died in hospital, while his colleague is recovering from a neck wound.
The State is set to prove that Swartz gave the firearm to a Somali man who then gave it to his brother.
Cops initially arrested the brothers also but only Swartz has been charged.
Eric Ntabazalila of the National Prosecuting Authority says the accused claimed that he was assaulted by police.
“The legal representative from Legal Aid informed the court of these injuries and asked that the accused receive medical attention,” he says.
“The State asked for the matter to be postponed as there were several reports that were outstanding including ballistic report of the firearm, witness statements that still need to be taken and the report on the alleged injuries.
“The defence allege that the accused was tortured to get a confession out of him but the State dismissed that saying that there was no confession made.
“The matter against the 20-year-old alleged member of the Dixie Boys was postponed to 4 December for further investigation.”
genevieve.serra@inl.co.za