Alleged cop killer Zane Kilian will remain in the mang until the murder trial of top policeman Lieutenent-Colonel Charl Kinnear commences.
His petition for bail was denied on Thursday, but Kilian is now set to lodge an appeal at the Western Cape High Court.
The man accused of being part of the murder plot to kill Kinnear appeared calm in the dock at the Bellville Regional Court as Magistrate Nonkosi Saba ruled that the accused had failed to prove exceptional circumstances for his release.
After spending six months in the tronk, Kilian was told that suspicions had arisen after a state witness came under attack while he was in custody.
According to a statement by Bradley Goldblatt, the co-owner of 1 Track Solutions, he sold the pings to Kilian and claims he warned cops several days before Kinnear’s murder that the officer’s number was being pinged excessively.
Goldblatt said that several months after making his statement to police, there was a drive-by shooting at his home.
Magistrate Saba said this caused doubt about whether or not Kilian would attempt to influence witnesses while the trial was underway.
She also noted claims by Kilian that his autistic son was suffering severe meltdowns, but provided no proof to the court of this.
“You have not provided exceptional circumstances for your release and bail is denied,” added Saba.
Kilian’s father, who sat quietly at the back of the packed courtroom, then approached the dock where they shared a hug before Kilian was led away by police.
Speaking outside court, Kinnear’s widow Nicolette said the family was preparing for a lengthy court battle.
“For us as a family, we know this is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Today was but the first hurdle, but we are happy with the outcome,” she said.
Asked whether she was concerned that nobody else was arrested for her husband’s murder yet, Nicolette said they had opted not to speak publicly on the progress of the investigation.
“What I can say is that hard work is being done behind the scenes,” she said.
“The fact that my husband was pinged led the perpetrator to his location, so in my opinion everybody that had played a role in the assassination is as guilty.”
Kilian’s lawyer Eric Bryer confirmed to the Daily Voice that they will be appealing the judgement.
“We will appeal and lodge an urgent application to the Western Cape High Court.”
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, says the State will oppose this application.
“The NPA welcomes this afternoon's decision as it is a step towards ensuring justice for the late Lieutenant-Colonel Charl Kinnear but there is still a long way, to go as the investigation is still continuing.”