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Naidoo
Kamini Padayachee
kamini.padayachee@inl.co.za
Video footage is expected to play a key role in the robbery and murder case against the two men charged with killing a Glenwood father in front of his family.
This was heard in the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday when two men, Lebo Sibisi, 29, and Khehla Calvin Mthalane, 27, made an appearance.
They are charged with the murder of John Dwain Naidoo, 31, who was shot during a robbery at his home.
Naidoo was shot in the back of the neck while trying to open the safe in his bedroom while his wife, Mags, and his 11-month-old daughter were standing nearby.
It is alleged that the shooting happened after the robbers had become agitated because one of them had pressed the panic button on a remote control instead of opening the front gate.
The robbers made off with cash and valuables.
It is alleged that at the time of the murder Sibisi was out on parole after serving part of his sentence for other offences.
Yesterday the men were expected to apply for bail but their advocate, Jimmy Howse, was not available.
Prosecutor Shayna Naidoo said the State was ready to oppose the bail application and also asked the court for permission to take photographs of the men to compare them to CCTV footage of the robbery.
Magistrate Vanitha Armu said that the case was being held in an open court and that anyone could take pictures of the accused when she was not present.
“I see no prejudice to the accused because they have already appeared in court and an identity parade has also been held,” the magistrate said.
The case was adjourned until later this month for the bail application.
Naidoo’s father, Dan, said yesterday that his family would be in court when the bail application was held.
“I am in constant contact with the investigating officer, who has kept me up to speed with the investigation,” he said.
“I question the judgment of those that let one of the men out on parole in the first place,” he added.
Naidoo said that his family wanted justice to be served.
“We are trying to cope with what has happened and we are taking it day by day.
“There is a child we now have to bring up without a father, so we are trying to move on, but we also demand justice for my son,” he said.
