Cape Town - The Cape Town Magistrate’s Court has heard from the State that releasing the man accused of murdering a security officer is in the interest of justice.
This, as Valjean Jackman made his second court appearance on Tuesday, where he was released on R5000 bail.
Jackman appeared the day after distraught family, friends and Table View safety and security personnel gathered for Emmanuel John Mashimbye’s memorial service.
According to the State, Jackman had been involved in a motor vehicle accident while driving on Malibongwe Drive, Dunoon, on December 1.
He then got out of the car and ran away as Mashimbye and his colleagues chased after the Kraaifontein man.
“It is alleged that the accused took out a gun and shot the victim,” the prosecutor said.
Jackman applied for bail and his lawyer read his affidavit, which stated: “I have never been convicted of any criminal offences whatsoever. I do not have any outstanding cases and neither am I aware of any outstanding warrants for my arrest.
“I have been advised that the charge against me is that of murder. I deny that I committed a criminal offence. I will plead not guilty to the charge proffered against me. Since my legal representatives have not yet had access to the docket, I elect to reserve my right to remain silent at this stage.
“Once my legal representatives have been provided with the case docket, I will be in a position to know exactly what the allegations are against me and will be in a position to provide my version of events. It is safe to state at this stage that I verily believe that I am innocent.”
The State told the court that bail was not opposed.
“The accused has a clean record. He will surrender his passport to the investigating officer. He will sign in at the police station every week. His firearms are with the State.
“It is in the interest of justice that he be released on bail.”
Jackman was released on R5 000 bail.
His lawyer, Duane Brandt, said: “My client was released on bail, with strict conditions, he met the requirements for bail, inter alia that he is not a flight risk, and has no outstanding warrants. He will adhere to the bail conditions. His health is not good, he was injured and we will make sure that he gets all the medical treatment he needs. We’re happy that justice prevailed in terms of bail, as we have always believed he is innocent until proven guilty.”
Cape Argus