The City of Cape Town welcomed the re-arrest on Friday of a taxi driver accused of murdering traffic officer Walton van Rooyen more than five years ago.
The accused, Craig de Lilly, first appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court yesterday on charges of murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Van Rooyen (49) was shot and killed in his patrol car in Kensington on 17 March 2020 after arresting the taxi driver for a traffic violation.
“The City’s Safety and Security Investigations Unit (SSIU) investigated the case alongside police detectives and the suspect was arrested,” said JP Smith, Mayco member for Safety and Security.
“However, a month later the case was provisionally withdrawn.
“This arrest brings new hope, and I can only imagine the family is as happy as I am that justice will be served. I went to meet the officer’s family at the time and they were devastated by his senseless murder. The release of the suspect was a bitter experience knowing his alleged killer may get away with no consequence.”
State not opposing bail
However, Smith is perturbed by the state’s decision not to oppose bail.
“We have noted the decision by the state to not oppose the suspect’s release on bail while the case is before the Magistrates’ Court and plead with them to reconsider their stance. The death of Van Rooyen left his family, colleagues and friends devastated,” he says.
“During the court proceedings on Monday the prosecutor noted that the accused already had convictions for both robbery and rape. While the reasons for the unopposed bail application are unclear at the stage we call on the courts to use their discretion when the matter returns to court next week. We believe individuals accused of murdering officers in the line of duty should not be allowed to roam our streets while on trial. If we cannot protect our officers we cannot protect the public.”
The case was subsequently postponed to 28 July for the appointment of a legal representative.
