City security chief calls for 'cop killer' to stay behind bars
Image: Supplied
Safety and security mayco member JP Smith has called on the State to reconsider it's stance in deciding not to oppose bail for an accused cop killer.
Craig "Krake" De Lilly appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Monday after his arrest on Friday after new information emerged in the murder case of traffic cop Walton van Rooyen on March 17, 2020.
De Lilly, a taxi driver, is alleged to have shot and killed traffic cop Van Rooyen in his patrol car.
KILLED Slain traffic cop Walton van Rooyen, 49.
Image: Supplied
De Lilly was arrested along with his taxi guard and two other men shortly after the shooting in Acre Road, however a month later the case was provisionally withdrawn.
The accused returned to the dock making a brief court appearance on Monday facing Schedule 6 charges of murder, the unlawful possession of a 9mm pistol and the unlawful possession of 14 cartridges.
The court heard that the warrant for his arrest was issued back in March 2025.
The State said that the investigation is complete and that it will not oppose bail.
In a statement, Smith called for the State to reconsider their decision on his bail.
Smith said: "While the reasons for the unopposed bail application are unclear at the stage, we call on the courts to use their discretion when the matter returns to court next week.
"We believe that individuals accused of murdering officers in the line of duty should not be allowed to roam our streets while on trial. If we cannot protect our officers, we cannot protect the public."
Smith added: 'We hope this arrest brings the family some comfort and we call on the courts to act diligently.
'We hope this serves as a lesson to those who callously kill officers executing their duties. If we cannot protect our officers, we cannot protect the public.'
'The case was postponed to July 28 for bail information and for a lawyer to represent the accused."
De Lilly is alleged to be a member of the 26 gang, has a criminal record dating back to 1999 and had been convicted of robbery, kidnapping and rape.
Cape Times
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Accused in Ekurhuleni Auditor's Murder Case Appears in Court
City of Ekurhuleni's group divisional head of corporate and forensic audits, Mpho Mafole, 47, died in a hail of bullets, in what appears to be an execution. Image: Facebook Thabani Goodwill Ntshalintshali, a 40-year-old man accused of murdering City of Ekurhuleni Senior Auditor, Mpho Mafole, appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court today. Ntshalintshali faces charges of murder after Mafole was fatally shot on 30 June 2025, shortly after a work-related meeting. The case has been postponed to 15 August 2025 for further investigation. According to the State's allegations, Ntshalintshali followed Mafole after the meeting and subsequently shot him in Kempton Park. Mafole, a highly respected senior official in the City of Ekurhuleni, was declared dead at the scene. The police investigation was launched after a witness reported a suspicious vehicle in the vicinity shortly after the shooting. This tip led authorities to investigate further, ultimately leading to the identification of Ntshalintshali as the key suspect in the case. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ In addition to the murder charge related to Mafole's death, Ntshalintshali is facing another murder charge from an unrelated case, which is scheduled to go to trial on 12 and 19 August 2025. This has led to the State's decision to oppose his bail application, citing concerns over the seriousness of the charges against him. Ntshalintshali remains in custody pending his next court appearance. Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng, commented on the case, emphasising the ongoing nature of the investigation. 'We are focused on thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr. Mafole's death and ensuring that justice is served,' Mjonondwane said. 'We are exploring all avenues in this case, and further arrests cannot be ruled out as we gather more evidence.'Mafole's death has left a significant impact on the local community and his colleagues at the City of Ekurhuleni. Known for his dedication to transparency and effective public sector auditing, Mafole's passing has raised concerns about the safety of government employees, particularly in light of the violent nature of the crime. His colleagues have expressed deep sadness and shock over the incident, remembering him as a committed professional whose work had a profound impact on the city's operations. The tragic killing of Mafole has prompted calls for stronger measures to protect public servants, particularly those working in sensitive areas like financial oversight and auditing. Public servants who are involved in exposing corruption or fraud, like Mafole, can often find themselves at risk due to their roles. The murder has prompted public outcry and raised questions about the broader issue of public safety for officials in the government sector. As the investigation into Mafole's death continues, the NPA has assured the public that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice. The NPA has urged people with information about the case to come forward, assuring them that their information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Ntshalintshali's appearance today marks a critical step in the legal process, but the case is still in its early stages with a second trial pending in August.
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Murder-accused husband back in Nelspruit court for bail hearing
The Nelspruit Magistrate's Court was jam-packed again today, July 23, with family and friends of Dr Nondumiso Nkosi-Sibanyoni, as murder-accused Sifiso Vusimuzi Sibanyoni appeared for his bail hearing. Sibanyoni stands accused of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder after his estranged wife was fatally shot in the parking lot of Virgin Active Gym Riverside at around 05:20 on November 20 last year. ALSO READ: Doctor fatally shot in Mbombela Protesters gathered outside the court, chanting 'No bail!' while the State and the defence cross-examined investigative officer Constable Sindisiwe Precious Nyaka of the SAPS Organised Crime Unit. The State asked Nyaka to confirm the two insurance payouts Sibanyoni received after his estranged wife's death. Nyaka confirmed that the first payment, R200 354, was received on February 4, 2024. A second amount of R1.5m was paid into his account on March 20, 2025. The court was also concerned about their children and where they are currently residing. Nyaka stated that the youngest is living with Nondumiso's parents, while the eldest remains with the accused. ALSO READ: Husband accused of Mbombela doctor's murder received R1.5m in insurance payout The State further questioned why Nyaka had not inquired about Sibanyoni's passport or whether he posed a flight risk. 'I did not inquire about his passport since he is a South African citizen,' she responded. The State also informed Nyaka that the accused had two protection orders against him – from his wife and his father-in-law. Nyaka admitted she was unaware of these and had only learnt of them in court. When the tables turned, Sibanyoni's lawyer challenged the charge of conspiracy to commit murder. 'There is no regional or high court that will accept this charge if the police cannot connect the accused with the killer,' Sibanyoni's lawyer disputed. He also questioned why no other arrests had been made, given that three State witnesses had allegedly taken part in the crime. Nyaka said she could not yet identify the witnesses or disclose the evidence. Sibanyoni's lawyer repeatedly pressed Nyaka to provide proof of the evidence, but she was unable to present or disclose anything to the court. The defence also asked when and why she had signed the insurance documents. Nyaka explained that she met with Sibanyoni and his lawyer on the day of the post-mortem and signed off on the papers, as she had no reason to suspect him at the time. ALSO READ: Mbombela hit-and-run: Court hears horrifying testimony from trauma doctor The defence returned to the State witness statements, which claim that the accused plans to interfere with the investigation if granted bail. Nyaka told the court she had a letter containing those statements and phone records of outgoing calls between the accused and the witnesses. However, when asked to produce audio evidence of the calls, she said she had none. Sibanyoni's bail hearing continues in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court tomorrow, July 24.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Witness recounts chilling details of murder trial linked to July 2021 unrest in Phoenix
An emotional State witness has described to the Durban High Court how some July unrest victims were brutally attacked in phoenix Image: Nomonde Zondi Durban High Court heard on Wednesday morning that one of the victims of the 2021 July unrest in Phoenix was hit on his head by a rock and a hammer. This is after one of the four Indian men was heard saying that they needed to put heat on the 'darkie ous'. Four men, Ravine Naidoo, 67, from Phoenix, Trevor Gopal, 52, from La Mercy, Tyreece Govender, 21, from Phoenix, and Timothy Govender, 46, from Phoenix, are on trial for murder, attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and public violence. Additionally, Gopal is also charged with incitement to commit public violence. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The State is alleging that the four men killed Njabulo Allen Dlamini by hitting him with golf sticks, an iron rod, a sjambok, and setting him alight. It also alleges that the accused attempted to kill Nkosikhona Madlala and Sandile Colin Sambo by hitting them with golf sticks, baseball bats, putting wooden pallets on their bodies, and pouring fuel on them with the intent to burn them to death. The State alleges that Gopal had addressed his co-accused and some community members to attack black Africans outside his tavern. A State witness, Anard Chetty, who said he used to reside at Gopal's tavern after he lost his job during Covid-19, told the court that on July 12, 2021, when the victims were attacked, Tyreece hit Dlamini with a rock on his head. He stated that Dlamini arrived at the tavern in a taxi bearing the Africa Touch logo, accompanied by others. Chetty testified that Gopal used to sell alcohol illegally, as it was banned during that time because of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. He said a female and two males had alighted from the taxi to go to the tavern, and within minutes, they came back running. At that time, a lot of vehicles came, with one being driven by Gopal's brother, blocking the taxi. He said the taxi occupants, including Dlamini, who were left inside, were told to come out and lie down on the floor. He said there was resistance from the taxi occupants and stated that the people who had come in vehicles had sticks and they assaulted the victims. He said they ran in different directions. 'A female and one male ran to the container behind the tavern and came out the next day around 6.00 in the morning,' Chetty said. He said that when Dlamini jumped out of the taxi, he was tripped by Gopal's brother, and he fell. 'More people came to assault him,' he added. Additionally, Chetty, who would constantly get emotional and cry, said that as Dlamini was being assaulted, Tyreece picked up a rock and hit him with it. 'After the third accused (Tyreece) picked up the big rock, Accused Four (Timothy) took the hammer and beat him with it. Those are the two fatal blows that ended that guy. He couldn't move,' he said, crying. Additionally, Chetty told the court that Dlamini was his friend. He said Tyreece is the son of Timothy. During his testimony, Judge Mluleki Chili kept on reminding him to slow down as they took notes. At some stages, when Chetty got emotional, he would tell him to drink water and take a minute. All the accused are out on bail. The trial continues.
