Witnesses won't cooperate, murder accused walks free

THE state yesterday withdrew all charges in the Port Elizabeth High Court against an alleged gangster accused of murder due to a lack of witness cooperation in the case.

Suspected gang member Sheldon Koesnell, 22, of Arcadia, is alleged to have shot a man in the middle of the street in front of his 12-year-old son in July last year after a heated argument.

After Joey Nicolas fell to the ground in Yellowwood Street, Arcadia, Koesnell allegedly stepped on his lifeless body before firing more shots at him.

He had also been charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

But yesterday state advocate Mujaahid Sandan asked Judge Jannie Eksteen to withdraw the charges against Koesnell.

Eksteen responded: "Mr Koesnell, the state withdraws the charges against you. You are free to go."

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesman Tsepo Ndwalaza yesterday confirmed that the charges against Koesnell had been dropped because of "non-cooperation of witnesses". - Lee-Anne Butler