CONCLUDING a disturbing chain of events, a Durban High Court Judge severely criticised inept police investigation and State prosecution incompetence as a double murder accused walked free at the Mtunzini High Court on Thursday.
‘Similar to incompetent legal representation which can destroy a trial, so too can incompetent prosecution and police investigation bring the justice system into disrepute,’ said Judge Kate Pillay, who came down hard on the investigating officers and prosecutors involved in the case of murder accused Xolani Gamede (35).
Apart from two murder charges, Gamede also faced charges of kidnapping, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and attempted murder.
He was acquitted on all five counts as the State could not prove beyond reasonable doubt he was involved in the murder of two female hitch-hikers and the kidnapping of Nokthula Nomonde Mjoli in January last year.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Murder accused denied bail
Disturbing events
On the evening of 1 January 2016, Nokuthula Mjoli, Nhlanhla Khoza and their daughter Nosipho were walking along Road 74 in Maphumulo.
According to testimony, a vehicle stopped and four men, Gamede among them, approached the group.
One of the men started assaulting Nhlanhla, while the others chased after Nosipho.
When Nhlanhla attempted to go to the aid of his daughter, his assailant produced a firearm and fired a number of shots at him, causing him to flee.
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