File
The man accused of firing shots at a Gqeberha couple, killing a woman launched his bid for bail in the New Brighton magistrates court earlier on Tuesday.
Lizo Gqamlana, 34 is charged with the murder of 27-year-old Marlene Prinsloo and the attempted murder of her boyfriend, Juan Landsberg in June.
According to the police, Prinsloo and Landsberg, were in his tow truck at Kings Beach in June when a man believed to be Gqamlana asked for assistance after his vehicle got stuck in the sand.
After assisting the man, the two followed him to New Brighton to collect payment but instead, Gqamlana allegedly fired at the couple, killing Prinsloo.
During the bail application on Tuesday, Gqamlana took to the stand to explain why he should be granted bail.
He told the court that he was the breadwinner for his girlfriend and stepchild.
He further said that his girlfriend who was pregnant with twins at the time of his arrest, has suffered a great deal and one of the twins has since passed away.
The investigating officer Warrant Officer Morne du Preez, also took to the stand and told the court that Gqamlana was identified through video footage.
He said Gqamlana made a partial payment for the services and asked Prinsloo and Landsberg to follow him to his house in New Brighton, where he would settle his account.
In his testimony opposing bail, du Preez told the court that Gqamlana was on parole and his conditions did not allow him to be at Kings Beach as he is under house arrest and only allowed to leave his house on Mondays.
In closing, Du Preez said like Gqamlana who has a responsibility towards his girlfriend and child, Prinsloo was also a mother of two children whose life was cut short because of a mere R600.
The matter will resume on the 19th of August to continue the cross-examination.
