The investigation into the shooting deaths of two women and two police officers in Reiger Park last month has taken a new turn, with the Hawks arresting a 26-year-old man as a fourth suspect after he was allegedly found with an illegal firearm and ammunition.
The Hawks confirmed the arrest of the fourth suspect on Monday, bringing the number of suspects arrested to four.
Hawks national spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the man was arrested on Friday, September 4, for alleged possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.
He was arrested during an intelligence-driven operation led by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Germiston, working jointly with the Gauteng Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Gauteng Provincial Anti-Gang Unit (AGU).
“Upon his arrest, the suspect was allegedly found in possession of a revolver, ammunition and two cellphones.”
Mogale said preliminary investigations had further linked the man to the murders of Roleen Lessing and Jayden Margerman and police Constables Thapelo Tlomatsana, 29, and Sphiwe Sibeko, 28, who were shot and killed in Reiger Park on August 7.
“The investigation is continuing, and the possibility of additional charges cannot be ruled out.”
The suspect is expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, alongside the other three suspects.
Police officers ambushed
Police said that on the night of the shooting, Tlomatsana and Sibeko were conducting crime-prevention patrols when they heard gunshots. They drove towards the source of the shooting and were allegedly ambushed.
The three accused already before the court are Reagan Cheslin Collis, 23, Jamal Meyer, 24, and Elvino Levert Crafford, 27.
They have appeared in court for their bail applications.
Collis faces four counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and charges relating to the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Meyer and Crafford face the same charges under the doctrine of common purpose, with the State alleging that all three participated in the crimes.
Families affected by gun violence
Last month, IOL reported that Margerman’s grieving family urged the court to take its time in dealing with the case and ensure the men do not return to the streets.
The family fears that rushing the proceedings could see the men return to the area, with a resulting spike in violence.
“We are really tired as a community, as families; we are really, really tired of this,” said Debbie Boards, speaking to the media outside the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court last month.
Boards is the aunt of Margerman, who was killed days before her birthday. She said the case was significant and called on the court to carefully consider the evidence.
“We must let the courts do what they have to do. It is a big case and there’s a lot of hearsay going on.”
She said Reiger Park had experienced too many killings and that many families had been affected by gun violence.
“If you (look) at the list of people that have been shot in the last seven months, it is a very, very huge list.”
“And I think all the families that are here also just want justice for what has happened, not just for Jayden… I see there are a lot of families, even myself, who have lost a family member due to these shootings.”
‘Going through hell’
Boards said residents wanted justice, but also wanted the court to avoid rushing the matter.
“All that we as residents of Reiger Park want is just to have some justice. And I think the court should just take their time.”
She said the bereaved families feared that releasing the men could lead to further violence.
“Rushing things will set these people back onto the streets and the same thing will occur over and over again, and we are really tired as a community, as families. We just want it to end.”
Boards said the past two years had been particularly difficult for Reiger Park residents.
“We’ve been going through hell with all these shootings and we would really just like to go back to having an ordinary life.”
“Currently we are living as if we are part of another country, because it doesn’t stop. It really doesn’t stop,” she added.
State opposes bail
Meanwhile, the State alleges that the three men were involved in the killings, pointing to CCTV footage, an alleged confession and the recovery of police rifles.
Collis, through his lawyer, attorney Samkele Kuzani, denies the charges and says he was at home when the shooting occurred. He also alleges that police tortured him into confessing.
Meyer said he was at home when the shooting occurred and only went to the scene afterwards. Crafford similarly said he was at home at the time.
The State is opposing bail, citing alleged gang links, possible witness interference and public safety concerns.
The men have said they can each afford R2,000 bail.
The case was postponed to Tuesday, when the bail hearing is expected to continue and CCTV footage is expected to be played.
