Sergeant Sithembiso Gwala, 42, appeared briefly in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday charged with murder and attempted murder.
The matter was postponed to April 5, when he will apply for bail.
The State confirmed that they would be opposing bail, while Gwala’s attorney placed on record that Gwala had been injured while in police custody and required medical attention.
However, the cause or nature of his injuries remains unknown.
Gwala was arrested in Imbali last week after a mob attack on three suspected robbers in Unit 18.
One man, Sphamandla Majola, 23, was beaten to death, while another was severely assaulted.
Imbali residents were furious at Gwala’s arrest, and even staged a protest at the Plessislaer police station for his release.
Gwala is based at Town Hill police station, but lives in Unit 18 in Imbali.
Residents told police that they had forced Gwala to participate in vigilante activity.
According to them, Gwala did not perpetrate an assault on anyone, but was present when the assaults were taking place.
It is believed that the victims were part of a gang that has been terrorising residents.
Gwala’s case has been referred to the ICD because it involves a member of the SAPS. - Daily News