Cop who killed colleague granted bail

THE 32-year-old police officer who shot and killed a colleague yesterday denied that he was involved in a love triangle with the deceased

Warrant Officer Tsitso Ntsenyeo, attached to the special task force unit in Pretoria West, said he shot Captain Charles Xulu because he thought his colleague was going to shoot him.

Ntsenyeo told the Atteridgeville regional court that Xulu accused him and the police service of having humiliated him, but did not explain how. Xulu was stationed at Madadeni in KwaZulu-Natal. He had two houses in Lotus Garden, west of Pretoria, and had rented out the one in Tumeric Street to Ntsenyeo.

In his bail application Ntsenyeo said Xulu tried to evict him on Tuesday night and they became involved in an argument.

Later Xulu walked a short distance away, lifted his shirt and drew his firearm, saying "you are going to die for this".

Ntsenyeo immediately opened fire on him, using his private firearm.

Ntsenyeo confirmed that Xulu never fired any shots because his firearm was still in its holster after the incident.

Asked if Xulu had suspected that he had an affair with his wife, Ntsenyeo said the deceased "did not suspect that I had an affair with his wife".

After allegedly killing Xulu, Ntsenyeo alerted the police and turned himself in.

The state did not oppose the bail application because Ntsenyeo was willing to hand over his three passports. Prosecutor Simon Maluleka also said he was not a flight risk, he had a fixed address, was employed and was married.

He was granted bail of R3000. The case will continue in the Pretoria magistrate's court for March 29.