Mthokozisi Ntumba murder trial to start in January
The date for the trial of four police officers accused of
the murder of Mthokozisi Ntumba - a bystander who was shot dead during a Wits
student protest in Braamfontein in March this year has been set for 7th
January 2022, and the officers intend to
plead not guilty.
Lawyers representing Tshephisho Kekana, 27, Cidraas
Motseothatha, 43, Madimetja Legodi, 37, and Victor Mohammed, 51, informed the
court on Wednesday that their clients intended to plead not guilty. They face a
murder charge and three counts of attempted murder.
Acting Judge William
Karam concluded pre-trial proceedings in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg
on Wednesday morning.
The four men stood in the dock with their faces covered in
cloth masks as their defence lawyers confirmed they were ready for the trial. Pre-trial
proceedings were previously postponed in the matter to allow the parties to
meet and agree on certain admissions, News24 previously reported.
On Wednesday, however, the lawyers said their clients would
not make formal admissions at this stage. They also indicated that they had
consulted with their clients and had received full instructions ahead of the
trial.
Done By: Yandisa Qwabe
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