Minenhle Makhaye, the Durban police officer arrested after being found with a bank card belonging to hijack victim Zarah Ramsamy’s mother, has been denied bail.
The 27-year-old Cato Manor resident was detained earlier this month for allegedly using the card to buy R1,000 worth of booze.
The Durban Magistrate’s Court denied Makhaye bail on Wednesday, following a protracted application.
Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, confirmed the bail denial and said the case has been delayed to November 25, 2024, for additional investigation.
State Advocate Calvin Govender also informed the court that Makhaye was in possession of 105 bank cards.
Zarah, an 11-year-old Grade 5 student, killed in early September after escaping hijackers drove over her with her parents’ car in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant.
Following the tragedy, shocking CCTV footage of the incident spread virally on social media.
However, the South African Police Services (SAPS) stated that Makhaye was arrested but does not face any charges related to murder or hijacking.
Police added that when the hijacked vehicle was discovered in the Cato Manor neighborhood, the same policeman was summoned to drive it to the Malvern (police station).
“It was during that time that the constable (allegedly) got hold of the bank card and stole it.”
