The Boksburg Magistrates’ Court heard that Reagan Cheslin Collis—accused number one in the Reiger Park murder case—allegedly continues to breach correctional services rules and was found with a cellphone while behind bars, for the second time.
Collis (23) and his three co-accused—Jamal Meyer (24), Elvino Levert Crafford (27) and Mcfoolen Ford (26)—appeared briefly in court on Wednesday. Their bail judgment was further postponed to 6 October and all four remain in custody.
Cellphone allegation raised
Prosecutor Leswikane Mashabela told the court that Boksburg Correctional Services informed the State that “once again” a cellphone was found with Collis. The prosecutor said Correctional Services views this as a security risk and that it could trigger a risk assessment, with possible disciplinary measures such as solitary confinement if breaches continue.
Mashabela said he had only recently received the correspondence, but raised it so the court and the accused were aware.
Defence objects to cellphone info for bail
Collis’ lawyer Samkele Kuzani objected, arguing the new allegation should not be considered in determining bail because it goes to the character of Collis and was not part of the bail application. Mashabela responded that it was raised because it comes from the correctional facility and may lead to measures being taken against Collis.
Bail postponement agreed by parties
Kuzani confirmed that Collis, Meyer and Crafford agreed to the 6 October postponement. Ford’s attorney Viara Thatcher also confirmed agreement and asked for an opportunity to submit written heads of argument before the next hearing. The magistrate granted the postponement.
Where the accused will be held
- Ford: Modderbee prison
- Collis, Meyer and Crafford: Boksburg Correctional Services
All four men indicated they can afford bail of R2,000 each.
Charges linked to Reiger Park shooting
The accused face:
- Eight counts of murder
- Two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances
- Charges under the Firearms Control Act
The case stems from an 8 July (reported) shooting in Reiger Park in which Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit officers Constables Thapelo Tlomatsana (29) and Sphiwe Sibeko (28), along with civilians Roleen Lessing and Jaydin Margerman, were killed.
They have denied the charges and claim police forced confessions.
State’s version vs defence arguments (overview)
The State alleged the shooting followed an earlier attempt on a rival gang member, and that the killings resulted from retaliation. It also alleged Collis helped conceal firearms taken from the slain officers, pointing to CCTV footage and witness identification.
The defence previously played video clips to argue Collis was at home, and said there was no eyewitness who saw him pull the trigger. The State disputed the weight of the clips, saying the original recordings were sent for forensic analysis and that the footage had not been authenticated in court.
Timing
The four accused will remain in custody until the bail judgment is delivered on 6 October.
