The Tshwane metro police constable charged with the murder of a motorist shot through the windscreen of his sedan in Hatfield‚ Pretoria‚ a week ago was released on R5000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Friday.

The state did not oppose bail being granted to Constable Takatso Mashigo‚ 27‚ as he was in no position to interfere with the investigations. The matter was postponed to February 8 for further investigation.

The incident happened exactly a week ago on Grosvenor Street‚ near the Hatfield Gautrain station‚ at around 10am‚ moments after the deceased‚ Oupa Tsakani Shimange‚ 38‚ had reportedly dropped his partner‚ Sibongile Ntlwane‚ 37‚ at Sunnypark Shopping Centre in Sunnyside‚ Pretoria.

It is alleged that Constable Mashigo and his colleagues were conducting a routine traffic stop and search in the area‚ but Shimange failed to stop‚ bumping Mashigo on the legs twice with his vehicle.

Mashigo's lawyer‚ Peter Jay‚ told the court Mashigo received medical attention in prison for injuries sustained to his legs.

He said Mashigo will plead not guilty to the charge of murder and will challenge the state's version of events.

Family and friends of the deceased travelled all the way from Mashigo's Limpopo home town of Giyani to attend the court proceedings‚ filling courtroom 16. Doors had to be shut to keep more from coming in.

Laccy Shimange‚ uncle to the deceased‚ said they accepted Mashigo being granted bail as there was nothing they could do about it.

“If (the court) think it is fine for them to release him on bail‚ then it is fine‚” he said.

Shimange said his nephew will be laid to rest in Giyani‚ Limpopo‚ on Saturday. He said the cottage will leave for the cemetery at 6am.

“We are going to remember him for his loud Tsonga music‚” he added. – TMG Digital/The Times

Source: TMG Digital.