Johannesburg -
The State's case against the man accused of killing forensic auditor Lawrence Moepi is weak, the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court heard on Monday.
“The State's case is based purely on substantial evidence...The State's case is particularly weak and based upon mere suspicion,” lawyer Paul Leisher, for Remember Siphoro, said.
“Whilst there is a suspicion there must at least be something that links the accused (Siphoro). There is a clear motive - no doubt but the same applies for other people.”
Leisher argued that the State's case was not strong enough and that a trial court would most likely acquit Siphoro.
He said because of the high-profile cases Moepi investigated there could be other people with motives.
Siphoro sat in the dock wearing a peach T-shirt and blue jeans and tentatively listened to the proceedings.
Moepi was followed into the parking lot of the SizweNtsalubaGobodo offices in Houghton, Johannesburg, in October last year, allegedly by Siphoro and an accomplice in a Volkswagen Golf.
He was shot as he was getting out of his car. His killers fled the scene.
Leisher told the court on Monday no one saw Siphoro drive the car and he would tell the court he was not involved in Moepi's murder.
Magistrate Piet du Plessis said because this was a schedule six bail application, Leisher had to prove exceptional circumstances for bail to be granted.
Prosecutor Thomas Matlou argued that the State's case was not weak or based purely on suspicion. He said he would call the investigating officer to testify on Monday during the bail application.
Matlou told the court there was a problem with verifying Siphoro's address as the woman staying there said he only stayed over occasionally.
However, Leisher said there was no evidence to prove that Siphoro did not stay there as he was arrested at the address and his clothes were there.
Siphoro, 42, faces charges of murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. His alleged accomplice was still at large.
The matter continues. - Sapa