The state withdrew the charges against the three Douglasdale police officers today, 16 October.
According to the lawyer representing the three police officers, Kamesh Maharajh, the case was withdrawn as there was no evidence that linked the officers to the crime.
Maharajh said the police officers were at the crime scene to stop a robbery from taking place and the Hawks arrested them. He added that the Hawks arrested the officers as a PR exercise and to have great media coverage.
The attorney pointed that his clients were unlawfully arrested and said they will proceeding with a civil lawsuit against the state for unlawful arrest.
This was during the bail application proceedings in the case against the three officers and their co-accused.
This morning, the proceedings were initially delayed because one of the lawyers was late.
The magistrate ruled that she would not continue with the matter in the absence of legal representatives of the other accused.
Advocate Deon Pool, representing the three police officers objected to the matter standing down. He told the court that proceedings may start as he and other legal representatives were present.
He also said that his clients have been in custody for three weeks. Pool also said they were ready to proceed and his clients have a right to be heard.
Adding to the delay was the absence of senior prosecutor, Yusuf Baba and the investigation officer, “I don’t understand why (Mr) Baba insists on doing this matter. This prosecutor is more than capable to handle this bail application,” Pool told the court.
He also told the court that he was not happy with his clients being held in normal cells. “They were undercover cops, now they are kept in custody with some of the people they arrested,” Pool explained.
The matter was stood down until everyone who is supposed to be present arrived. Then, the state withdrew the charges against the three Douglasdale police officers.
The case against the other six accused continues. This is a developing story and updates will follow.
Related:
UPDATE: Douglasdale cops appear in court after the N1 arrest
N1 gridlock: 3 police officers arrested
