Security threats, reports of gunfire and a dispute over bail evidence have emerged during a trial-within-a-trial in the attempted murder case involving alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his co-accused.
Three witnesses have taken the stand as alleged hitman Musa Kekana challenges the admissibility of evidence obtained during his arrest.
Kekana alleges that police assaulted him during the arrest, claiming officers beat him so severely that he began coughing up blood.
Proceedings opened with former Bramley Police Station commander Owen King giving evidence.
King told the court that while Kekana was receiving medical treatment at Edenvale Hospital following his arrest, police received intelligence about an alleged imminent security threat.
The court also heard testimony from an eyewitness who was detained alongside Kekana on the day of the arrest.
The witness said Kekana had contacted him to request a vehicle rim. When Kekana arrived to collect it, gunfire suddenly erupted.
During cross-examination, the eyewitness described the conduct of police officers at the scene as aggressive.
The State is also seeking to introduce evidence from Kekana’s unsuccessful bail application.
However, the defence has objected to the move, arguing that Kekana had not been adequately warned that statements made during the bail proceedings could potentially be used against him during the trial.
The admissibility of that evidence has become a key issue in the trial-within-a-trial.
Judge Cassim Moosa is expected to deliver a ruling on whether the disputed bail evidence can be admitted on Tuesday.
The proceedings form part of Kekana’s challenge to evidence the State intends to rely on in the attempted murder case.