JOHANNESBURG – The National Prosecuting Authority has declined to enrol murder and attempted murder charges against a suspect in the fatal Emmarentia shooting, saying it requires additional evidence before proceeding with prosecution.
The suspect in the fatal shooting was expected to appear at the Johannesburg magistrate’s court on Tuesday following the shooting on 19 April that left one man dead and a woman hospitalised with gunshot wounds.
However, prosecutors stated the case would not proceed at this stage, citing the need for further investigations.
The incident took place on Sunday on Barry Hertzog Avenue in Emmarentia after a minor collision between two vehicles, which escalated into a fatal shooting.
Police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that a female passenger, suspected to be the wife of one of the drivers, retrieved a firearm from one of the vehicles, whilst the second driver also drew his gun.
The exchange of gunfire claimed the life of one of the drivers, identified as Faisal Ul Rehman (48), whilst the female passenger was taken to hospital with a gunshot wound.
The couple’s children witnessed the entire incident, with their young son attempting to perform CPR on his father at the scene, but the man was declared dead.
The NPA said it requires additional evidence before making a final prosecutorial decision, including ballistic and postmortem reports, independent verification of video material and outstanding witness statements.
“Further investigations are required to ensure that all relevant facts are properly canvassed before a decision to prosecute can be made,” the NPA said in a statement issued by Gauteng communications officer Magaboke Mohlatlole.
The NPA stressed that the decision not to enrol the matter at this stage does not constitute a withdrawal, reaffirming its commitment to decisions based on “sufficient, credible and admissible evidence, in the interests of justice”.
No date has been set for a final prosecutorial decision.
The matter remains under active investigation, and the NPA has directed that additional evidence be gathered to strengthen the case.
ALSO READ: Emmarentia road rage incident turns deadly
