Durban - The police are mum about the man who was apprehended by bystanders after former hostel dweller Sipho Ndovela was gunned down at the uMlazi Magistrate’s Court precinct on Monday morning.
A witness said the man’s behaviour was odd and that he could have been a pointsman.
When approached for comment on Tuesday, provincial police spokesman Major Thulani Zwane said: “We do not want to jeopardise our investigation by giving all the facts.
“The body is still going to be taken for a post-mortem that will determine how many times he was shot. We need to take a statement from the same witnesses who will assist us regarding this case. So please provide us with particulars or ask those to see the investigating officer.”
Ndovela was gunned down while phoning his escort officers to tell them he was finished and ready to go home.
He had been provided police protection at his request, as he feared for his life.
He was a key witness in a murder case where his friend was killed, an incident which he escaped with a bullet wound to the leg.
His sister, Nokubonga, said on Tuesday her other bigger brothers were in KZN to fetch the body.
A court employee, who requested to remain anonymous, said security at the entire court precinct was lax.
She said there were no closed circuit television cameras and that employees’ safety was not secured.
“It is a known fact that the area is a den for criminals. What happened to that poor man did not catch me by surprise. When the shots rang out, we continued with our work.
“The man’s body was cover-ed after hours of lying there unattended to. There was an incident some time ago where police and thugs were involved in a gunfight. It spilled over to the court precinct, but I don’t know what became of the incident.”
Regarding the cameras, Zwane said they were not responsible for the cameras in courts, but would use them in the investigation if there was a need.
Justice and Constitutional Development spokesman, advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.
Daily News