Expert sought to verify signature

THE Port Elizabeth High Court case in which a man is accused of killing an accomplice who turned state witness was postponed yesterday to make arrangements for a handwriting expert to testify.

Luvuyo Koboka, 27, is charged with murder, robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. He allegedly took part in a cash-in-transit heist at the KwaDwesi shopping complex on March 16 2009, making off with about R200000 in cash and a firearm.

However the getaway driver, Mlungiseleli Bindwini, later turned state witness and Koboka and his accomplices found out and allegedly shot him multiple times outside a tavern in Kwazakhele. A total of 66 shots were fired.  Bindwini died as a result of multiple wounds.

Koboka was arrested on December 3 2009 with two unlicensed firearms, one of which was allegedly used in the fatal shooting.

State advocate Joel Sesar said yesterday the state had a warning statement in which Koboka had allegedly confessed to the crimes, and signed.

However Koboka disputed this and the state then made arrangements for a handwriting expert to confirm whether the signature belonged to him. The matter will resume today. - Lee-Anne Butler