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Cape Town - State prosecutors on Monday argued that the killing of a Cape Town doorman outside a popular bar in Long Street was a planned hit.
Beerhouse on Long doorman Joe Louis Kazadi Kanyona, 33, was attacked by three men while standing outside the bar on Saturday, June 21.
Western Cape police spokesperson constable Noloyiso Rwexana last Sunday said officers had arrived to find Kanyona lying on the floor with a stab wound to his neck.
Three men, Ubaid van der Berg, 20, Toufiq Essa, 21, and Nasbie Edwards, 27, were arrested after CCTV footage caught the incident on camera, and appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
‘Premeditated’
State prosecutor Dale Andrews argued in court that the murder was premeditated and that the accused wanted to “draw blood”, Eyewitness News reported on Tuesday.
According to TimesLive, Andrews also claimed that the trio were hired to kill Kanyona for a reward of R1 000 each.
A lawyer for the defence though claimed that one of the men arrested was coerced into signing an affidavit at Cape Town Police Station.
Reports suggested that the incident was typical of an extortion network that was targeting entertainment establishments in Cape Town, News24 reported.
The case has been postponed to July 23, where the State will argue against bail.
Tributes
Tributes poured in for the 33-year-old Congolese national.
“Joe, as he was affectionately known by staff at Beerhouse, was a much-loved colleague and friend, and although he worked in the security environment he had a gentle soul, friendly demeanour and ready smile,” the company said in a statement.
The establishment also welcomed users to share their condolences and memories of Joe on its website, with many describing him as "warm and friendly".
One user, Max, wrote: "Joe died a hero, in the line of duty, protecting the patrons upstairs from criminals."
Hayley said: "How sad is this. I remember this gentleman. Wonderfully friendly with a great demeanour. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues."
