Mustakim Scullard, who is facing murder charges have been released on bail.
Athlone Magistrate’s Court granted the 20-year-old bail of R1,500 last week.
Minister of Community Safety Albert Fritz said the National Prosecuting Authority assured that it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the release of an alleged gang hitman.
NPA opposed the bail and plans whether to appeal the magistrate’s decision.
According to the department, Scullard shot two rival gang members.
“The 34-year-old victim escaped. However, the 19-year-old victim was shot and killed at close range.”
“Scullard was identified by witnesses and was arrested two days later in Nellie Court.”
“He was found in possession of a 9mm pistol and 16 live rounds,” the department said in a statement.
The department’s court-watching brief noted that the accused was charges with murder, attempted murder, and possession of a firearm and ammunition.
He first appeared on 20 July 2020 and postponed until 27 July 2020 for bail information.
On 27 July, “the court was informed that the matter is a schedule 6 offence which requires exceptional circumstances to be submitted by the accused to be released on bail.”
Formal bail application was postponed on 11 August until 25 August.
“Bail was opposed by the state on both dates. The investigating officer testified in the opposing of the bail application.”
Fritz said that while considering that Scullared was a first-time offender, he does not change the fact that he is an alleged gang hitman and stands as a threat communities’ safety.
“It should be noted that while the perpetrator has been granted bail, the case remains under investigation ensuring that the accused will return to court on 28 October 2020.
He appealed to the public with any report that could aid investigation on this matter to come forward and report.
