Petition to prevent former cop’s return to Strandfontein gains 400 signatures

ACCUSED murderer and former cop, Richard Smit, is not welcome in Strandfontein if he is granted bail.

These were the submissions of Strandfontein CPF chairperson Sandy Schuter who took the stand yesterday in bail proceedings for Smit, accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend, Natasha Booise.

Smit appeared at the Piketberg Magistrate’s Court yesterday where he faces a charge of murder, two counts of attempted murder, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, and handling a firearm while under the influence of a substance which has an intoxicating or narcotic effect.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila said Schuter took the stand and testified about the Strandfontein community who felt they were not consulted about the possible relocation of Smit if he was granted bail.

“The accused provided his brother’s residential address in Strandfontein if he is granted bail. Schuter told the court that she consulted her community after learning about the possible relocation of Smit. She used various social media platforms to consult with the community. They decided to start an online petition to oppose bail and to tell the court that Smit was not allowed to come to their area. The memorandum has to date 400 signatures. She told the court that some residents submitted letters which she brought to the court,” said Ntabazalila.

“Strandfontein has become a dumping ground. We are a very close knit community. We mobilize and protest to express our dissatisfaction,” Schuter said.

Schuter had told the court that “she has heard residents making threats over the planned move into their area”.

Meanwhile, the EFF had also submitted a memorandum of demands to the court, the NPA and the police demanding that Smit not be allowed in the Piketberg, Strandfontein and Bergrivier areas if he is granted bail.

Among their further list of demands, EFF also demanded the case be transferred to a high court as a matter of urgency.

“(We demand) that this case be finalised as early as possible and the state gives a maximum sentence with no chance of parole to the perpetrator who not only snatched Booise from her loved ones but made families who have lost their loved ones and victims of gender-based violence relive their trauma.”

The case was postponed to May 17.