A murder suspect appeared in court on Wednesday, also facing charges of extortion, resulting in hundreds of people marching to the Eastern Cape’s capital calling for an end to such crimes.
Akhona Jacu was arrested in August after a Hawks investigation led to a shootout with suspects during a stakeout in Stutterheim.
Jacu, 40, was shot in the arm and his alleged accomplice was also wounded. A third suspect, aged 39, was fatally wounded in the shootout.
On Wednesday, only Jacu appeared in court in Stutterheim while the second suspect is said to be recovering in hospital.
Provincial Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the incident occurred last month, but was only heard in court this week.
Hawks investigating officer, Warrant Officer Norton Ndabambi, told the court the phone number used to extort money from business people was found in the suspect’s possession.
“There’s strong evidence that the same number used to demand huge ransoms from families of kidnapped businesspeople has been found directly in Jacu’s possession.
“Within seven days after their arrest, another group emerged and extorted money from local businesses. We have since arrested them.”
Ndabambi told the court that business people were being forced to pay protection fees to avoid being kidnapped.
Ndabambi opposed Jacu’s bail application. Jacu is accused of murder, attempted murder, extortion and possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.
Jacu, still cradling his left arm, gave the court a different version of how the shootout had played out.
“They said they were police. I tried to move backwards, but I heard gunshots from the police officials. We didn’t do anything to provoke them,” he said.
“When the shots were fired I turned around and ran. As I was running, I was shot in my shoulder and arm.”
He said he had been informed while in hospital that his friend had died.
“I heard about those charges. It’s the police that are responsible for my friend’s death and the injured man,” he said.
“When I was charged, I was informed that a firearm was retrieved on the ground and that it belonged to me. I had no firearm or bullets on me. I didn’t see the police pick up the firearm.”
Jacu said he would not plead guilty to the charges. The bail hearing is set to continue on 20 September.
Pictured above: Suspect Akhona Jacu, 40, appeared at the Stutterheim Magistrate’s Court
Image source: Supplied
