Durban - A police officer accused of killing a robber at a Durban fast food outlet will plead not guilty, the Pinetown Magistrate's Court heard on Wednesday.
In his affidavit, read to the court, Captain Justice Dladla said he intended pleading not guilty to charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice, laid by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).
Dladla was arrested earlier on Wednesday at the Pinetown police station.
Det-Const Ajith Krishinlall was shot dead and Det-Const Jerome Ngoma critically injured during the robbery at the Kentucky Fried Chicken in New Germany, Durban, on October 5, 2012.
Dladla's lawyer Sifiso Sithole told the court the shooting took place while Dladla was on duty.
“The State does not have a case against the accused.”
Prosecutor Stan Miloszewski (SUBS: CORR) said the State needed an adjournment to get the results of ballistic tests.
Magistrate Gwendolyn Robinson released the 42-year-old officer on a warning and ordered him to return to court on March 6.
Several police officers were in court in support of the father of five.
“He (Dladla) was on duty. What was he supposed to do? They (Ipid) didn't have to handcuff him in full view of everybody at the station. That was just wrong,” said an officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Sapa