Cop ‘killed’ woman over church funds

Senior policeman on trial for teacher’s murder

A police captain who allegedly shot a woman several times before killing her over church money was ordered by the court yesterday to stop delaying his murder trial.

Abel Baloyi, 50, allegedly torched his fellow congregant’s house in Themba Unit D in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria in August 2016, but the woman and her son escaped unharmed.

In September that year, he then waited for Allettah Layani Phaswane, who was also a teacher, outside her school and followed her as she went home. He then allegedly shot her at close range several times.

Baloyi, a former captain attached to OR Tambo International Airport, is facing charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, arson, two counts of intimidation and pointing of a firearm.

His case had been postponed nine times since it moved to the Mahikeng High Court sitting in Moretele Magistrate’s Court in June last year.

The postponements were on Baloyi’s request, who was either sick, changed his legal representative or represented himself.

Once again yesterday Baloyi claimed he was not well as he suffered from several illnesses including diabetes and heart failure.

He said he was not feeling well because he had not eaten and therefore could not take his medication, but Judge Annah Kgoele would have none of it.

The judge ordered the investigating officer to ensure that he gets his medication and that the trial resumes today.

“I give you until tomorrow. I cannot lean far backwards than that. We cannot be postponing and postponing. High court is not a court of postponements,” Kgoele said.

“I am here to hear the case not to postpone. The case was postponed several times not because of the state but the accused.”

Prosecutor Theo Moetaesi said he had been ready to proceed but Baloyi continuously claimed that he was ill.

‘ ‘ The case was delayed several times because of the accused

Baloyi’s lawyer, Advocate Motebang Ramaili, also said he would be ready to proceed [with the case] today.

Baloyi and Phaswane, who attended the same church, allegedly fought over the funds of the church.

The accused allegedly intimidated his wife, Thembi Chabalala, and another relative to prevent them from reporting that he had allegedly burned Phaswane’s house.

According to the indictment, on the day of the murder Phaswane left Machekela Mamodibe Secondary School, where Baloyi was waiting outside in his silver BMW.

He allegedly followed her on Soshanguve Road, overtook her and fired one shot which brought her car to a standstill.

He then got out of the vehicle, walked to Phaswane’s car and allegedly fired more shots with his service pistol before driving away.