Bail for two accused of murder

AN EASTERN Cape police officer faces a murder charge in the death of a state witness in a stocktheft case.

Constable Dion Allexandra, based at Maluti police station, and Mfanelo Phindela were arrested for the death in Maluti near Matatiele. The two were arrested in late April after being linked to the alleged November 2013 murder of Simphiwe Sintu.

The victim, whose body was found in an open field, was said to have been a state witness.

Mount Fletcher police spokesman Lieutenant Rafael Motloung said the two accused were released on R3 000 bail each on Friday. “Their case was postponed for June 13 as police are busy with further investigations.”

Motloung said the allegations were that the two had conspired to kill Sintu after he decided to confess to his involvement in the stocktheft case.

“He [Sintu] was involved in the stocktheft together with the two arrested suspects.”

The stocktheft case is still pending in the Kokstad Regional Court.

Motloung said a disciplinary hearing would take place in relation to the conduct of the constable.

“A consideration for his possible suspension is under way.”

The provincial police commissioner’s office commended the detectives for the swift arrests in the case. —