Central SA
#PrellerSquareShooting: Trial continues─── LUCKY NKUYANE 07:42 Tue, 10 May 2022
The murder trial surrounding slain Bloemfontein businessman, Louis Siemens, who was gunned down in broad daylight in 2018 at Preller Square’s underground parking area, will continue in the Free State High Court on Tuesday.
The trial will resume with the alleged murder mastermind, Stanley Bakili, expected to take the stand to testify on what transpired before and after the murder of the CityMed Managing Director (MD).
Bakili and the other five remaining suspects - including a police detective, a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member, a disbarred advocate, and a repeat offender, among others, will also be cross-examined.
OFM News previously reported that police Captain Moeketsi Lesia and court orderly Kagiso Chabane were acquitted of all charges related to the murder of Siemens by Judge Pitso Molitsoane.
READ MORE: #PrellerSquareShooting: Two murder suspects discharged
Judge Molitsoane discharged the duo of all charges, including murder, conspiracy to murder, and perjury.
Since the trial started on 28 October 2019, 41 people have taken the stand, including high profile government officials such as Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, Free State Health HOD David Motau, and former provincial Health MEC Benny Malakoane.
They have denied any involvement or knowledge of bribes being paid by Bakili on behalf of the deceased for the amendment of CityMed’s hospital licenses to allow for more beds.
81 documents have been submitted in court as exhibits.
