Pardoned former Apla cadre Dumisani Ncamazana walked from court a free man in East London on Monday after charges of illegal possession of firearms were dropped.
”My freedom and future now belongs to me because I am a free man,” a relaxed Ncamazana told reporters outside the magistrate’s court.
Ncamazana (27) and Luntu Nguye (21) and his co-accused younger brother Sinikiwe (23) were initially charged with the murder and armed robbery of Martin Whitaker (35) owner of Sugar Shack Delicatessen, on May 27.
Charges were withdrawn last week due to insufficient evidence.
However, Ncamazana still faced charges of possession of two unlicensed firearms allegedly found in his hut at the time of his arrest on the murder charge.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Mzwandile Ntsaluba on Monday said the illegal firearm charge was withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.
”Initial police statements gave the impression that the firearms were found in Ncamazana’s possession,” he said.
”However, it has since been established that the firearms were in fact found in a nearby bush but not inside Ncamazana’s hut,” Ntsaluba said.
Speaking for the first time since his arrest, Ncamazana said he had not decided on his future and would consult his legal team about his options.
”I am very happy about the dropping of charges because this has been traumatic for me and my family,” he said.
”It was unfair for politicians and the media to drag the previous cases that I was pardoned for into this matter,” said Ncamazana.
Ncamazana was one of 33 ANC and PAC prisoners granted special pardons by President Thabo Mbeki in mid-May.
Their applications were supported by Eastern Cape premier Makhenkesi Stofile.
”I believe that the pardoning was correct and would like to see the president release more political prisoners including those from white communities,” he said.
Ncamazana’s mother Thobeka Funani was jubilant about her son’s release.
”My son was taken away from me just three days after I had been with him,” Funani said.
”I cried a lot then but now feel happy he is going to be with me again. I just wish everyone could just leave him alone.”
The State’s withdrawal of all charges in the high profile murder case has left the Whitaker family fuming and confused.
”I want to tell the Whitakers that I sympathise with them and they should not give up hope in finding the culprits,” Ncamazana said.
Whitaker’s brother Andrew on the other hand expressed disappointment.
”It’s obviously disappointing and totally confusing. It’s very difficult to know what to think,” he said.
”One usually hopes that the judicial system is there to protect the people and it seems not to be the case. At this stage there are more questions than answers,” Whitaker said. – Sapa