The bail application of three men accused of involvement in the Reiger Park mass shooting has been postponed to 8 September at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.
Regan Collis and his co-accused, Jamal Meyer and Elvino Crafford, face several charges, including murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The charges relate to the deaths of two South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Gang Unit officers and two young women who were killed in Reiger Park, east of Johannesburg, earlier this month.
The State has opposed bail for all three accused.
Reiger Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) member Leon Bussack said the community had experienced a noticeable sense of calm since the arrests were made.
“We’ve seen lately in Reiger Park, there is some sort of stability. We are not putting everything squarely at their feet, but we are noticing that there is a change over the last couple of days since the arrests have been made,” Bussack said.
He added that community members would continue to oppose bail if they believed it was necessary to maintain stability in the area.
State prosecutor Matthews Rampyapedi told the court that denying bail would help restore order in Reiger Park and send a message that criminal activity would not be tolerated.
“By refusing bail to the accused, it will instill order in Reiger Park and send a message to other criminals that law and order is essential,” Rampyapedi said.
The State argues that it has a strong case against the accused.
Rampyapedi described Collis as a well-known alleged gangster in Reiger Park who is feared by members of the community.
The prosecutor also raised concerns about Collis’ unemployment, his unknown financial circumstances and his alleged criminal history, which includes previous arrests relating to violence and firearms.
The three accused are expected back in court on 8 September, when their bail applications are set to continue.