Cape Town - The former cop charged with the triple murder at New Somerset Hospital has made his first court appearance.
Jean-Paul Carl Malgas, 39, who was deemed a possible danger to himself and the public was brought before the Cape Town Magistrates Court in shackles and handcuffs.
Sources revealed that Malgas was allegedly involved in a stabbing incident in Vredenburg during a domestic issue and wounded during the altercation and then taken to a local hospital there but later transferred to New Somerset Hospital.
Malgas had formerly been stationed in Hopefield.
The court made an immediate order that Malgas may not be identified via photographs but may only be named.
Malgas will be part of a very important identity parade for investigation purposes.
Malgas is charged with three murders, the illegal possession of a firearm, ammunition and robbery.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said Malgas would not be making a bail application and would be a candidate for an identity parade.
It was further revealed that Malgas suffers from depression and is suicidal.
The case was postponed to June 30 for further investigation.
The police and the State are waiting for vital evidence such as the post-mortem report, ballistic report and witness statements.
“Jean-Paul Carl Malgas, 39, appeared at Cape Town Magistrate’s Court this (Tuesday) morning,” said Ntabazalila.
He is charged with three counts of murder, illegal possession of a firearm, ammunition and robbery.
“This case follows a fatal shooting at New Somerset Hospital at the weekend.
“The accused told the court that he is not going to apply for bail. The prosecutor, advocate Adenaan Gelderbloem, advised the court that the State will oppose bail as the accused is charged under Schedule 6.
“The court ordered that no pictures of the accused be taken, as an identity parade will still need to be conducted. The State also advised the court that it is still awaiting the post mortem report, ballistic report and witness statements.
“The court questioned why the accused was in court in leg shackles and handcuffs, and it was indicated that the decision was taken in the interests of safety, considering the crime the accused had committed and how he committed it.
“The accused also advised the court that he suffers from severe depression and is suicidal.
Malgas was arrested on Saturday night after a nurse convinced him to hand over his firearm and sedated him.
Malgas had been a patient inside the ward.
Sea Point police officer, Constable Donay Phillips had been guarding an injured man he had brought to the surgical ward when the drama unfolded.
It is believed Malgas grabbed Phillips’ firearm and shot the policeman in the head and later turned the gun on two patients who were close in proximity.
One of the patients was Geret Carolus, 48, of Tafelsig who was expected to undergo an amputation operation of one of his legs on Sunday and also suffered from bipolar disease.
Weekend Argus spoke to Carolus’ mother, Magrietta Carolus from St Helena Bay.
She said she was devastated by her only son’s death and that she had lost her son just hours before Mother’s Day and would always remember his last words of love he shared with her.
“I saw him two weeks ago and he was in hospital and they said he will have to have his leg amputated due to diabetes and he had a mental illness and had lost some weight due to being sick,” said Magrietta.
“He said to me: “Mamma ek is baie lief vir jou.” (Mommy, I love you very much).
“I didn't know then that would be his last words to me.
“My grandchild woke me up that Sunday and told me to be calm. They said he had been assaulted and little did I know he had been shot.
“This the doctor told us after we rushed to the hospital.
“He was my only son and he was such a loving person and loved children.”
The Western Cape Government Health Department said a full scale investigation was under way: “A full investigation by SAPS is currently under way to determine all the facts of this tragedy, and we will continue to keep the public informed as we learn more.
“What we know currently is that a person who was ready for discharge obtained a firearm during an altercation with the police officer who was guarding another patient.
“The circumstances are unknown currently on how he managed to obtain a firearm but are currently being investigated
“We have also learnt of a remarkable story of heroism that resulted in the perpetrator handing over his weapon.
“Following the altercation and the shooting, a healthcare worker (who has asked not to be named) went into the ward and spoke directly to the perpetrator. She calmed down the shooter and convinced him to hand over the firearm.
“Despite the personal risk to her, she stood up to help those around her.
“This heroism possibly saved many more lives.
“During this dark time, we salute the staff in the ward who remained calm, who supported the other patients while all their lives were at risk. We continue to be inspired by their courage and care.”
Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant -General Thembisile Patikile, confirmed the former police officer was from Hopefield and was dismissed between 2006 and 2007.
Phillips died on Sunday, May 8, in hospital.
