BAIL BATTLE

THE family of slain traffic officer Walton van Rooyen have started a petition to appeal to the Cape Town Magistrates Court to deny bail to his alleged killer.

The accused, Craig “Krake” de Lilly, 41, is in the dock for the murder of Van Rooyen in March 2020, and also faces charges of illegal possession of a 9mm pistol and 14 cartridges.

De Lilly, his gaatjie and two other men were vasgevat shortly after the shooting in Acre Road, Kensington, but the case was provisionally withdrawn just a month later.

He was re-arrested in March 2025 after new evidence emerged.

The family of the deceased have stated that the murder of the officer has sparked widespread concern among law enforcement and the public.

They added: “These facts raise serious legal issues under Section 60 of the Criminal Procedures Act, including public safety, risk of evasion, witness intimidation, and erosion of public trust.

“The fact that bail was not initially opposed is a big red flag that our justice system is failing society.

"It was only when the City of Cape Town stepped in to highlight the issue of the failure from the State to oppose bail in a Schedule 6 matter which contravenes its duty under Section 60(2)(d) and undermines public confidence.

“While we believe that the State should provide justification for any deviation from the statutory threshold we have welcomed their decision to now oppose the release of the accused.”

The family’s petition comes before De Lilly’s bail application is expected to be heard on this Thursday.

The court previously heard that Lilly’s lawyer has prepared an "interesting" bail application with visuals and testimonies from De Lilly, another person who was in the taxi on the day and the owner of the taxi.

Meanwhile, the State intends on presenting an affidavit by the investigating officer in the case and are opposing his release on bail.

Van Rooyen’s family said that the impact of his death has been immeasurable as he was not only a dedicated public servant, but also the sole provider for his elderly mother and father of two sons.

They added: “We are pleading to the court to deny the bail application of Craig de Lilly. Granting bail would not only trivialise the gravity of his alleged crime but also pose a risk to public safety." 

To sign the petition go to https://chng.it/L8x55wfQP2