Cape Town - Four Hanover Park residents accused of attacking law enforcement officers during an arrest have been granted R800 bail by the Athlone Magistrate’s Court.
Tauriq Cupido, Shakeel Kippie and Erefaan Kippie, along with Suad Kippie, made their first appearance in court yesterday on public violence charges after the attack, which saw an officer being pelted in the face with a brick.
The incident, caught on camera, captured the attention of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who condemned the attack.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said the officers were reacting to a ShotSpotter alert in Hanover Park on Friday morning when they came under attack.
When the officers arrived, they spotted a gunman, who pointed his firearm at the officers, who in return shot and wounded the suspect.
Bystanders helped the gunman escape and the gun was taken away from the crime scene, but while waiting for paramedics, residents charged at the officers, who were forced to leave the area.
One law enforcement officer sustained serious injuries after being hit with a brick and is now in hospital.
During court proceedings yesterday, the State explained that the investigation showed that someone on a bicycle had taken the gun from the scene.
It was also revealed that the gunman would be facing attempted murder charges once he is discharged from hospital.
The State opposed bail for the group and said that Cupido was accused of trying to snatch an officer’s firearm in the scuffle.
Defence lawyer Denzil Langeveldt told the court that the accused had no pending matters against them.
He argued that bail could have been set at the police station – for public violence – and did not require a bail hearing as he proposed R500 each for their release.
Magistrate Keith le Keur agreed and said as there was no indication that their addresses had not been verified. he granted them bail of R800 each.
The case was postponed to September 4 for further investigation.
Smith said he was disappointed at the bail amount, but warned that more arrests were imminent.
“The next time there is a shooting we will now see the officers waiting for reinforcements instead of rushing in. We can see by the extent of the tip-offs provided by the Hanover Park community that the community were not happy to have them back in their midst.
“The investigation is continuing and we are expecting more arrests,” said Smith.
Cape Argus