‘It was self-defence’: Motorist acquitted after killing three hijackers

TheChamp

TheChamp

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A motorist who shot three would-be hijackers in Johannesburg acted in self-defence, and is not guilty of murder, the South Gauteng High Court ruled this week.

The state charged that Muhammed Ebrahim used excessive force when confronted by armed men on an afternoon in Fordsburg, Johannesburg.

Ebrahim and his cousin were driving to a shop to buy hunting clothing and equipment along Mint Road when the incident happened.

www.citizen.co.za

‘It was self-defence’: Motorist acquitted after killing three hijackers | The Citizen

The court said Ebrahim satisfied the requirements of self-defence.
www.citizen.co.za www.citizen.co.za
 
I am also surprised to see the NPA pursue the case to such an extent, to quote the article,

State witnesses ‘unreliable’​

In his ruling, the judge said Ebrahim was steadfast in his testimony and during cross-examination by the state.

He added that the state’s eye witnesses’ testimonies were unreliable, had discrepancies and could not be relied on while Ebrahim was forthcoming in his testimony.

“I am of the view that his testimony that him and Mr Essau found themselves in a hijacking situation is true because why would gunfire ensue shortly after the Golf stopped and the man in a blue overall alighted?

“Furthermore, during the cross-examination of Captain Shingange, it was revealed that the Golf was linked to a Langlaagte case through its chassis number which correlated with the Golf at this particular crime scene.

“It is my view that no other inference could be drawn from these facts but that the persons in the Golf were coming to hijack the accused and Mr Essau,” read the judgment.

Furthermore, said the judge, the state’s evidence failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

He said Ebrahim fulfilled the requirements of self-defence and found him not guilty on all three murder charges.
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Well done to the vindicated, proper citizen action.
 
Fulcrum29 said:
I am also surprised to see the NPA pursue the case to such an extent, to quote the article,



Well done to the vindicated, proper citizen action.
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Maybe it was argued his life wasn't in danger at the time or the cops are friends of the thugs.
 
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rvZA said:
There was never a chance they would ever have convicted this person. Use your firearms when in doubt. Do not be afraid. Do not become a victim.
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In short, eff this vermin.
 
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ForceFate said:
Maybe it was argued his life wasn't in danger at the time or the cops are friends of the thugs.
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It is a criminal case, so it will come down to the prosecutor whether there are merits to pursue, but it is odd that they have an unreliable witness. Prosecutors know when they have a reliable witness, and they will appropriately prepare a reliable witness. There is the odd chance that the NPA wanted to get their quota up, but I won't know.

The court has spoken and there doesn't seem to be room to appeal.

EDIT: To add, it could be that the police investigator wasn't all too transparent with the NPA either...
 
So in this country, a vehicle abruptly stops in front of you, an armed guy wearing a balaclava jumps out and approaches you - WTF are u supposed to think!
That this even went to trial is a joke. Well done to the defendant.
 
Katelknaap said:
So in this country, a vehicle abruptly stops in front of you, an armed guy wearing a balaclava jumps out and approaches you - WTF are u supposed to think!
That this even went to trial is a joke. Well done to the defendant.
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Stay calm and have a gentle word with the perpetrators. Deal with them like you would deal with a naughty child. Don't raise your voice, stay calm, and ask "how does this make you feel" or "is there anything I can do to help you feel better?".
 
lloydb said:
It is very sad that our justice system sides with criminals when we as citizens use our own initiative to not become victims.
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Did you miss this bit:
A motorist who shot three would-be hijackers in Johannesburg acted in self-defence, and is not guilty of murder, the South Gauteng High Court ruled this week.
Click to expand...

Our justice system found him not guilty
 
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