PRETORIA - Security threats, gunfire and disputed bail evidence have emerged in the trial within a trial in the attempted murder case against alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his co-accused.
Three witnesses took the stand as alleged hitman Musa Kekana continues challenging the admissibility of evidence obtained during his arrest.
Kekana claims police assaulted him during his arrest, saying he was beaten until he began coughing up blood.
Proceedings began with former Bramley Police Station commander Owen King in the witness box.
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He testified that while Kekana was receiving treatment at Edenvale Hospital, police received intelligence about an imminent threat.
The court then heard from an eyewitness who was detained alongside Kekana on the day of his arrest.
He testified that Kekana had called him to request a vehicle rim. When Kekana arrived to collect it, gunfire suddenly broke out.
READ: Security fears emerge over alleged hitman Kekana at hospital
During cross-examination, the eyewitness described the police’s behaviour on the day as aggressive.
The State also wants to introduce evidence from Kekana’s failed bail application.
The defence has objected, arguing that Kekana was not properly warned that statements made during the bail proceedings could later be used against him at trial.
Judge Cassim Moosa is expected to rule on the admissibility of that evidence on Tuesday.