/ 21 October 2008

Jeppestown judgement spills over to third day

Johannesburg High Court Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has adjourned the Jeppestown massacre judgement to Wednesday, having recapped evidence of 17 of the 41 witnesses in the trial.

Mokgoatlheng began reading his judgement in the case against 13 murder accused on Monday.

Like the first day, Tuesday was characterised by heavily armed police officers who searched the courtroom for security purposes.

While proceedings were halted on Monday because of a power failure, Tuesday ran smoothly, allowing Mokgoatlheng more time to recap evidence.

All witnesses but one were found to be reliable, truthful, honest and impressive.

While evidence by Sarah Marumole, a supervisor at the Pick n Pay supermarket in Honeydew, was accepted by the court, Mokgoatlheng said there were discrepancies regarding identity parades to which Marumole was taken.

”The rest of her evidence regarding the cash box is accepted … but police who conducted the parade should have ensured that there were proper facilities.”

The 13 are accused of robbing a Pick n Pay supermarket in 2006. This ended in a shootout in Jeppestown.

The accused waved to their family and friends seated in the public gallery while being taken downstairs to the holding cells.

Judgement continues on Wednesday. — Sapa