‘Play the video’: CCTV could shake up Reiger Park police murder case

The lawyer for three men arrested in connection with the murder of two police officers and two civilians in Reiger Park has requested the Boksburg Magistrate's Court to screen CCTV footage that could corroborate alibi claims. Attorneys Samkele Kuzani made the motion during bail proceedings for Reagan Cheslin Collis, 23, Jamal Meyer, 24, and Elvino Levert Crafford, 27.

The trio appeared in court, charged with the shootings on August 7 that killed Anti-Gang Unit officers Constables Thapelo Tlomatsana, 29, and Sphiwe Sibeko, 28, as well as civilians Roleen Lessing and Jaydin Margerman. The police stated officers were patrolling the area when they heard gunshots, investigated, and were allegedly ambushed.

Kuzani argued that the footage would demonstrate where the three men were during the incident. He urged the magistrate to permit the footage's presentation, stating it would help establish their whereabouts and support their alibi defenses. "For the purposes of justice, I find it prudent that those videos be played in court," Kuzani said.

He emphasized that mere affidavit allegations of video evidence without actual playback would not provide a legally sound defense for his clients. State prosecutor Matthews Rampyapedi acknowledged that some of the accused had alibis but questioned the footage's utility in supporting all three men. He argued that the footage provided to the State focused on a single yard and did not capture the entire street incident.

Regarding Crafford, Rampyapedi affirmed that he had an alibi for the day of the shooting, denying any dispute on the matter. Kuzani maintained that all three men had alibis, and the CCTV footage could aid the court in evaluating their accounts, even if not disputed by the prosecution. He emphasized that the footage could assist the court in matters not contested by the State.

"Let's have it played. Let's have the court make a decision," Kuzani stated, arguing against denying the footage's display, which could potentially bolster the men's alibi versions. The magistrate subsequently granted the application for the CCTV footage to be shown in court. Collis alleged in his affidavit that police officers subjected him to over three hours of torture to force a confession.

He alleged officers placed a plastic bag over his head while he lay handcuffed and threatened him with confession. Collis claimed officers recorded the event and that he later retracted his confession. He maintained he was at home when the shootings occurred and provided CCTV footage supporting his alibi.