Dead man’s family angry as accused cop given R5 000 bail

TSAKANI Rikhotso Shimange’s friends and relatives will bury him with heavy hearts today after the Tshwane metro police department officer accused of killing him was granted bail in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Constable Takatso Mashego, 27, was granted R5 000 bail. The State did not oppose his bail application.

The decision left friends and family aghast and disappointed.

Shouts and complaints could be heard in the packed courtroom after the decision was made to grant bail.

Tsakani’s uncle, Belani Shimange, said there were huge gaps in a justice system that could without hesitation set someone who killed in broad daylight free again.

Shimange said he was still uncertain of the reasons given for Mashego to be granted bail but would try to hold on until the case was complete to see if justice would prevail.

Tsakani Shimange’s body was transported to his home town of Giyani, Limpopo, on Wednesday and he would be buried today.

Mashego’s defence lawyer, Peter Jay, told the court Mashego had received treatment at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre for injuries he suffered to his legs when Tsakani was killed.

Jay said the father of two had not received any threat to his life and needed to be there for his wife as they were expecting their third child in three months.

Metro spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said police personnel had been told not to attend court proceedings while on duty.

The matter was postponed to February 8 for further investigation.