Durban — The judgment for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier accused of shooting and killing a Bluff man over a cellphone had been delayed in the Durban Regional Court on Monday.
Staff Sergeant Sandile Myisa is accused of killing Eugene Adams, 44, on December 15, 2018, in Perrywinkle Road on the Bluff.
Magistrate Ncumisa Gcolotela was expected to hand down her judgment on September 5. However, court M attendees heard that she was in Eshowe attending another court matter and could not make it. The case was postponed for judgment to September 28.
Myisa pleaded not guilty in court and delayed the matter several times before the trial began.
Under cross-examination by defence attorney Thula Mlondo and prosecutor Brian Cele, Adams’ son, Donnel Adams, said he was returning from the shopping centre with his friend when a group of boys approached them.
Donnel said they took his cellphone out of his hand and also stabbed his friend in the head with a piece of broken bottle. Donnel testified that they went home and informed their parents, who took them to Brighton Beach police station. He claimed that the police declined to open a case, saying it was gang-related.
Donnel testified that his friend was told to get stitches for his wound in the hospital. He said his father, Eugene, was disappointed that people living in the same area were robbing one another.
Donnel knew one of the boys in the group. He took his parents to the house where the boy lived with the intention of retrieving the phone.
According to Donnel, Myisa came outside to see what was happening and, after a brief discussion, went back inside the house.
Myisa returned and allegedly shot Adams in front of his wife and children, the court heard.
On Monday, Eugene’s wife, Mandy Adams, said the latest setback was devastating, and she had to be strong to drag herself to court to face the man that allegedly shot her husband. She was present when the shooting took place and had given evidence in court.
Daily News