One of the six men arrested in connection with the murder and hijacking of Kaizer Chiefs defender, Luke Fleurs, is said to be in the country illegally.
The suspects appeared at the Roodepoort Magistrates Court today to apply for bail.
The court confirmed that the second accused, Fernando Siva, is currently residing in South Africa unlawfully as his temporary permit expired in 2020.
The six men arrested in connection with the 24-year-old’s hijacking and murder in Honeydew last month made their fourth appearance in court, where the state opposed their bid to be released on bail.
They face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the ends of justice.
It is alleged that Siva and his co-accused, Ndumiso Mswane, Nhlakanipho Dlamini, Franky Xaba, Maredi Mphahlele and Thembinkosi Hlomikhawu, may be part of a gang that hijacks cars to sell parts on the black market.
The investigating officer in the matter was not in court today, but his statement was read out.
According to the statement, on Sunday, 7 April, an informer called the police and reported that the applicants were seen driving a red Polo GTI with no registration plates around Skoonplaas.
The suspects corroborated this when they were arrested, saying they drove the said vehicle and hid it.
It also came out today that the owner of the address where the vehicle was traced to, told officers that Mswane, who is accused number one, was the one who organised the parking space in return for a fee or favour.
The suspects were tracked and arrested two days later at their hiding place.
Accused number four, Franky Xaba’s phone was seized and comms with an unknown person was noticed.
The court also heard from family members of the accused.
Fleurs was shot and killed in a hijacking incident at a petrol station after he was confronted by two armed males who came driving a white BMW 1 series, while waiting to be served by a petrol attendant.
They allegedly took him out of his VW Golf 8 GTI and shot him once in the upper body before fleeing with his car.
While Fleurs’ passenger managed to escape, the player was forced out of the car and was shot while trying to fight back.
Fleurs was rushed to Flora Clinic, where he was declared dead on arrival.
The case has been postponed to next week Tuesday for the investigating officer to be present in court.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s Phindi Mjonondwane says more arrests could soon be made.
Confirmed: Accused no 2 Fernando Silva implicated in the murder of #Luke Fleurs is currently residing in SA unlawfully since 2020 as his temporary permit expired. pic.twitter.com/AmXyvpoVN8
— Bennett Soka (@BennettSoka) May 2, 2024
Written by: Nonhlanhla Harris
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