“Reiger Park Will Burn”: Court Hears Chilling Allegation Against Accused in Cop Killings

• The investigating officer in the Reiger Park shooting told the Boksburg Magistrates' Court about an alleged threat linked to first accused Reagan Cheslin Collis
• Four people died in the 7 August attack, including two Anti-Gang Unit constables whose service rifles were later recovered
• Collis denied the allegation and told the court police tortured him for over three hours to extract a confession he later retracted

GAUTENG — An investigating officer in the Reiger Park quadruple killing has told the Boksburg Magistrates' Court that Reagan Cheslin Collis, the first accused, allegedly warned residents that the area "would burn" if anything happened to him, citing the statement as evidence of Collis' influence within the community.

According to IOL, the claim was contained in an affidavit presented during the formal bail applications of Collis, 23, Jamal Meyer, 24, and Elvino Levert Crafford, 27. Collis, represented by attorney Samkele Kuzani, denied making the alleged warning.

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How the shooting unfolded

According to the investigating officer's affidavit, two women had stopped their red Volkswagen Polo near a local supermarket when a suspect approached and fired multiple shots at the vehicle. One of the women had briefly entered the shop before returning. When the patrolling police vehicle responded to the gunfire, both officers were also shot. All four victims died inside their respective vehicles.

The affidavit further noted that the officers' service rifles were seized at the scene but subsequently recovered during the investigation. The state alleges CCTV footage places Collis and Meyer at the location and intends to present it at trial. Additionally, the investigating officer claimed that a pointing-out exercise and an alleged confession by Collis led investigators directly to the rifles.

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Accused dispute state's version

Collis rejected the state's account, telling the court he was at home with friends when the shooting took place and that CCTV footage from his property would verify this. He further alleged that police subjected him to more than three hours of torture, including placing a plastic bag over his head while he was handcuffed, to coerce a confession he subsequently retracted. "I have a defence of alibi and this makes the state case very weak against me," Collis said.

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His defence team also challenged the state's reading of the CCTV evidence. Meyer and Crafford likewise denied any involvement, stating they were at home at the time.

The state is opposing bail for all three men.

Hawks speak on the CCTV footage

Previously, Briefly News reported that the Hawks have rejected suggestions that video footage circulating online could compromise their case against Regan Collis, the 23-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the deadly Reiger Park shooting. The footage, reportedly shared by people close to Collis, allegedly places him at his home at the time the attack occurred.Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale addressed the matter directly, saying the unit's investigators remained confident in the strength of their case.

Source: Briefly News