Twelve police officers appeared on murder and other charges in the Bellville Regional Court on Tuesday (15/05/2012).
This was the first appearance of the two police captains, two warrant officers, one sergeant, and seven constables, all attached to the Hawks.
They face 13 charges that include murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
The charges, among others, relate to the kidnapping and murder of Sidwell Mkwambi, 24, a New Crossroads resident allegedly tortured to death in 2009.
Together the men face one count of murder, three of attempted murder, three of kidnapping, two of serious assault, two of theft, one of common assault and one of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
Magistrate Pumla Ntobi warned them to appear in the Western Cape High Court on June 1, for a pre-trial conference.
The purpose of the pre-trial conference, held only in the High Court, is to ensure that all preparations for trial are completed, and that there are no outstanding hitches when the trial commences.
According to the court record, the men were all summonsed to appear in court on Tuesday, and were not arrested prior to their appearance. - Sapa
