Video: Reiger Park mass shooting accused faces 9 charges – LNN – Network News
Regan Collis (23) appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday (August 12) following a deadly shooting that claimed the lives of two women and two SAPS Anti-Gang Unit officers last Friday (August 7).
Collis was remanded in custody and the matter was postponed to August 25 for a formal bail application, reports Boksburg Advertiser.
The defence indicated it would apply for bail, while the state confirmed it would oppose the application.
Collis faces provisional charges comprising four counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of possession of unlicensed firearms.
On the robbery with aggravating circumstances charges, the court explained that a first offender faces a minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, 20 years for a second offender and 25 years for a subsequent offender on each count.
For possessing unlicensed firearms, a first offender faces 15 years’ imprisonment, 20 years for a second offender and 25 years for a third or subsequent offender, unless compelling and substantial circumstances justify a lesser sentence.
Speaking to journalists after proceedings, Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said preliminary investigations uncovered sufficient information for investigators to consider adding further charges.
Mogale could not immediately confirm the identity of the alleged victim in the attempted murder charge, but said investigators have a case to present when the accused returns to court.
“We have a case that we need to present next week when he is applying for bail, and we will be opposing that bail,” said Mogale.
She added that police could not rule out further arrests as the investigation continues, saying investigators believe Collis may not have acted alone in the latest attacks.
The charges stem from the shootings at the corner of Erica and Buttercups streets in Reiger Park.
Jaydin Magerman (27) and Roleen Lessing (36) were travelling in a car when they were shot through the front windscreen on their way to a shop.
Two SAPS Anti-Gang Unit members, Constable T Tlomatsane and Constable S Sibeko, were reportedly responding to the sound of gunfire when they were allegedly ambushed by the same assailants.
The officers were shot and their vehicle travelled a short distance before crashing into the concrete fencing of Lakeside Primary School.
Both officers were killed and their two state-issued R5 rifles were stolen.
The incident prompted an increased security presence in Reiger Park, with acting minister of police Firoz Cachalia visiting the area the following day and announcing the temporary deployment of the army to help protect residents.
The Boksburg Advertiser understands that Collis was already known to police in connection with a string of previous serious cases.
He was arrested on July 27 while attending court in connection with one of his previous matters.
However, he was released after his scheduled first appearance in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court for an attempted murder case did not proceed because the matter had not been placed on the court roll.
Police said his previous cases include attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Mogale said preliminary investigations had also linked Collis to gang activity in Reiger Park.
She said investigators had ‘connected the dots’ after profiling him and discovering that he had outstanding cases which had also allegedly been committed in Reiger Park.
“The majority of the cases against the accused are murder as well as robbery with aggravating circumstances and all of them were committed in Reiger Park,” said Mogale.
She said investigators had gathered a substantial amount of information, adding that this was why police were not ruling out further arrests.
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