THREE of the six men accused of murdering Kaizer Chiefs defender Luke Fleurs claim police assaulted them during questioning.
They say this happened after they were linked to a vehicle allegedly belonging to the late footballer.
The claims were made on Wednesday, 22 April, during proceedings in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court, where the accused appeared in connection with the murder case of a Chiefs player.
The accused Ndumiso Moswane (26), Fernando Sive (25), Nhlakanipho Dlamini (21), Franky Xaba (25), Maredi Mphahlele (36), and Thembinkosi Hlomikhawu (31) face serious charges including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Through their legal representatives, Advocate Pholile Khanyile, Advocate Thapelo Monnakgotla, and Advocate Hlomani Mogase, Fernando Sive, Franky Xaba, and Thembinkosi Hlomikhawu claimed they were assaulted by investigating officer Captain Abbie Montwedi during interviews related to the alleged possession of a suspected stolen vehicle linked to Fleurs.
The court heard that the accused intends to testify that they were assaulted and threatened in an attempt to force cooperation during questioning.
Investigating officer Nare Moloto told the court that the accused had refused to be interviewed regarding the murder charges.
He further stated that they had indicated they had already given statements to Captain Montwedi and were unwilling to provide further information.
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Moloto maintained that none of the accused informed him that they had been assaulted, and he said there were no visible injuries when he interacted with them.
He also told the court that if any assault had occurred, it should have been reported to him at the time.
Advocate Khanyile, however, disputed this, saying that: "One of my clients, Thembinkosi Hlomikhawu, was severely injured that he could not properly sign his statement and had to use his thumb instead due to hand injuries allegedly sustained during the assault."
She also questioned whether the investigating officer had checked the accused for injuries or instructed them to remove their clothing for examination.
Moloto said: "There was no reason to conduct such an inspection, as no injuries were reported or observed, and the accused had not raised any complaint of assault at the time," he said.
The court proceedings will continue on Thursday, 23 April, with further testimony expected. One of the accused, Sive, is set to take the stand and testify.
Fleurs, aged 24, was shot dead during a violent carjacking at a petrol station in Joburg on 3 April 2024.
According to reports, he was confronted by armed suspects who allegedly attempted to hijack his vehicle.
His death sent shockwaves through the football community and led to widespread condemnation of violent crime in the country.
