Murder-accused told to hand over pistol
EDWARD Kennedy Fox, the Vaal flying squad member accused of murdering his wife two years ago, was yesterday ordered to hand over his service pistol.
The SAPS will also have to “accommodate the accused in a post where the wearing of a firearm is not essential”.
Fox is accused of murdering his wife of four years, Che Rudelle Fox.
The couple had two children, aged 9 and 5, who it was revealed earlier this week still live with their murder-accused father.
He was arrested while on duty in April after two years of investigation.
Initially, Fox allegedly told investigators his wife had been shot dead in their bedroom by an intruder during a home invasion.
The case was meant to go to trial this week, but was postponed to Monday.
This was at the request of Fox’s new attorney, Mabuse Monareng, who requested time to familiarise himself with the case and to prepare thoroughly.
State advocate in the matter, Gerrie Nel, did not object to the request.
Meanwhile, an entourage of uniformed policemen from the Vaal flying squad could be in hot water after “abandoning posts” to provide Fox with moral support when he appeared in court on Monday.
The large delegation, believed to be Fox’s colleagues, huddled around him as he left court.
Two police vehicles, with flashing lights, briefly stopped traffic to allow Fox to enter court. A source close to the case, who cannot be identified for fear of reprisal, said the officers needed to explain their actions. “What they did was unnecessary and uncalled for. What were they doing there?” he said.
Nel, when approached for comment, said he was not aware of the incident but would look into it should it be officially brought to his attention.
Speaking to Independent Media outside court yesterday, Rudelle’s mother, Genee Kester, slated the group, wanting to know why they “protected” the suspect.
“Why are they protecting him? Is this standard procedure for them to escort one of their own like that?
“The way he sped away was very dangerous. Why don’t they protect us?
“We are the victims, we are the family. They are protecting him and he is the alleged murderer,” she said.
She said the family were content with how the case was proceeding despite the suspect “trying to stall” the matter.
sihle.manda@inl.co.za