CAPE TOWN - Accused murderer and former cop, Richard Smit’s bail application hearing is still underway at the Piketberg Magistrates Court.
On Tuesday, investigating officer and senior investigator at police watchdog Ipid, Ronald Davids took the stand for cross examination, where the court heard Strandfontein residents would not accept Smit in their community.
Smit is charged with murder of his girlfriend Natasha Booise, two counts of attempted murder of Roslin Kaaiman and Erin Plaatjies, discharging a firearm in a built up area, handling of a firearm while under the influence of a substance which has an intoxicating or narcotic effect and two counts of assault.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said Davids had told the court that if Smit were to be released on bail, “his life would be in danger”.
“(Davids) also told the court about a case that was opened on October 12, 2014 by Smit’s (now-deceased) father after Smit pointed a firearm at him and fired shots as he ran away. The court heard that on this day Smit came with a woman to his father’s house. His father told him he did not want him to bring women to his house. Smit came out, pointed his fingers at his father and held him on his chest. The father picked up a stone to defend himself.
“Smit went inside the house and his sister screamed at his father to run away as Smit went into the house to fetch his firearm. As the father ran away, he heard two shots being fired. The father ran into a neighbour’s house. The lady neighbour came out, spoke to Smit and took the firearm away from him. The firearm was handed over to the police who arrested Smit. He appeared at the Piketberg Magistrates Court five times before the case was mediated and the charges were withdrawn against him,” said Ntabazalila.
Davids had also told the court that Smit had resigned from the police service on March 2, a day before he was to attend an internal disciplinary process.
“Booth requested that the case stand down for two hours (on Tuesday afternoon) so that he can receive the documents that were submitted to the court and for him to consult with his client…
“During cross examination, Davids emphasised that Smit was a flight risk, did not have a job and an income. Davids indicated that the accused has previous convictions of a special nature, the State has a duty to protect witnesses, also the nature of the offence he committed needs to be taken into consideration. He also indicated that South Africa faced a gender based violence problem. We cannot allow people who kill to walk free,” Ntabazalila added.
The matter continues.
Cape Times