Durban - The municipal security officer who allegedly shot dead his supervisor at the Pietermaritzburg traffic department offices in January, will plead not guilty to murder.
Sifiso Hlengwa, 39, confirmed his intention to plead not guilty to killing Superintendent Pumla Dlamini, the acting manager of public safety, on January 14 at the Washington Road offices in an affidavit in support of his bail application at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
However, Hlengwa declined to give reasons for his plea, saying he was legally advised not to divulge his defence. Dlamini was shot five times in an office after an argument, allegedly with Hlengwa.
He died later in hospital. Hlengwa fled the scene after the shooting, “in panic and shock”.
He said in his affidavit that he remained in hiding for two weeks in fear for his life.
Hlengwa eventually handed himself over to police.
“The media was already reporting that the incident for which I have been charged may have had political overtones, and I developed an unfounded fear for my life which caused me to delay my surrender,” Hlengwa said.
The affidavit also states that if kept in custody, Hlengwa would not be able to work, which would prejudice his fiancée and dependents.
Following his surrender to police, he has also co-operated with police and has handed over his firearm – the weapon allegedly used to shoot Dlamini.
Opposing bail, prosecutor Samkelisiwe Hlongwane argued Hlengwa’s life would be in danger if released on bail.
She added that the shooting had also traumatised Dlamini’s and Hlengwa’s colleagues, who all heard the gunshots and then witnessed Hlengwa walk out of the office, get into his car and speed off.
They then discovered Dlamini’s bullet-ridden body.
Hlongwane said the investigating officer feared for the safety of these witnesses if Hlengwa was granted bail, as he knew their identities, and faced a lengthy term of imprisonment if found guilty of murder.
In response, Hlengwa’s advocate, Brad Osbourne, argued that his client understood there was a “credible danger” to his life, but had taken various steps to safeguard himself.
Osbourne said there was no guarantee Hlengwa would be safe in prison, and said he was willing to reside at an alternative address pending the finalisation of his case, and would not contact any State witnesses.
The magistrate will deliver judgment in the bail application on February 12.
Daily News
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