Emotional court hearing as State opposes bail for alleged cop killer

There was drama at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday as traffic officers and family members packed the court to witness the bail hearing of alleged cop killer Craig “Krake” de Lilly.

The 41-year-old taxi driver stands accused of murdering traffic officer Walton van Rooyen in March 2020, and also faces charges of illegal possession of a 9mm pistol and 14 cartridges.

De Lilly, his taxi assistant and two other men were arrested shortly after the shooting in Acre Road, Kensington, but the case was provisionally withdrawn just a month later.

On Monday, family members of Van Rooyen and a group of traffic cops gathered outside before court proceedings to oppose bail after the court previously heard that the State wasn’t planning to oppose De Lilly’s release, despite him facing a Schedule 6 charge.

However, things took a turn when the court heard that the State has now changed its tune and will in fact oppose bail, a move that shocked De Lilly’s family.

His lawyer told the court he has witnesses lined up to testify at the next appearance, and the matter was postponed to August 11.

De Lilly’s family said they were sad and disappointed by the State’s sudden shift, but still had empathy for Van Rooyen’s loved ones, however, said De Lilly is innocent.

His aunt told the Cape Argus sister publication, the Daily Voice that when De Lilly was convicted of rape and robbery, he was a minor, and while he got gang tattoos in prison, he was never actually part of a gang.

“He never wanted that life, but he didn’t have a choice,” she said.

“If justice is fair we just hope they give him a fair chance to get bail. We feel for [Van Rooyen’s] family, but Craig also has a family and he is a different person.”

Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith said justice has been a long time coming.

“Just over a week ago we were informed that the suspect was re-arrested and many of us felt relieved. It has been a five-year wait for justice,” said Smith.

“I visited Walton’s family at the time of his death and I can recall the heartache in the eyes of his relatives and friends. His death had a profound impact on the entire directorate.

“We believe that the State would not have recharged the suspect haphazardly and we have faith that they have applied their minds when assessing the docket.

“At the time of his death Walton was a father for two sons and the sole breadwinner for his elderly mother."

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Cape Argus