Cop killing: court admits confession by accused
A CONFESSION from one of the men accused of murdering a Port Elizabeth policeman while he performed private security duties, was admitted into evidence yesterday following a trial-within-a-trial.
“Jabu told me there is a cargo truck he wants to take. I will have to drive the getaway vehicle,” Charles Nqaba told Detective Jackie Grobler in a statement he now claims he was forced to make.
Nqaba, 24, and Jabulani Mkaba, 26, are accused of fatally shooting Constable Devin Hattingh, 31, during a botched robbery on July 28 2014.
Hattingh, who was stationed at the Mount Road police station, was off duty at the time and had performed private security duties for a furniture delivery truck in Motherwell.
He was shot dead while seated in his Volkswagen Polo.
Yesterday, the prosecution was given the upper hand when the Port Elizabeth High Court admitted into evidence the confession made by Nqaba just hours after his arrest.
He told Grobler at the time that Mkaba had rented a Ford Fiesta from Avis to carry out the alleged robbery. He said at about 11am on July 28 he was instructed to follow Mkaba and one other person in the rental vehicle.
He parked close to Nyara Street, where Mkaba and his friend got out of the vehicle.
“They disappeared out of sight. I heard gunshots and then saw them running away,” Nqaba said.
Realising something was wrong, Nqaba said he also tried to get away.
He was arrested following a chase by police conducting patrols in the area. Hattingh died on the scene. Mkaba was arrested in a tavern the following day. Nqaba and Mkaba have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The trial continues.