Zane Kilian claims the murder of top cop Lieutenant-Colonel Charl Kinnear was an “inside job” and that he is the scapegoat.
This dramatic statement was made by the former rugby player at Bellville Regional Court on Thursday, where he resorted to desperate measures to clear his name by writing on the back of his T-shirt, which he displayed for the public gallery.
Kilian, 39, returned to court for the finalisation of his bail hearing but as lawyers argued over whether a new affidavit should be included as evidence, the murder accused took the opportunity to state his case to the public.
He is charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and the illegal interception of Kinnear’s cellphone after the seasoned detective was assassinated outside his home in Bishop Lavis on 18 September last year.
At the time of his death, Kinnear, who was an area commander for the Anti-Gang Unit , was working on several high profile cases which led to the arrest of police officers.
While his shooter has never been arrested, Kilian was charged for being part of the murder plot and according to the state’s case, he pinged Kinnear’s cellphones over 2000 times in the months leading up to his death.
Kilian appeared calm as he stood in the dock, wearing a blue golf shirt, blue jeans and sloffies while showing off his array of tattoos.
As soon as cops removed the handcuffs, he removed the golf shirt in one swift motion, revealing a white T-shirt with his messages.
Gasps could be heard in the public gallery as police, media and Kinnear’s family read the words.
Using various hashtags, Kilian pleaded with those who saw his T-shirt to publish his story, claiming he was innocent and had been set up.
He further alleges a cover-up by SAPS and that Kinnear’s murder was an inside job.
“Not Guilty! #Scapegoat #Framed #SAPS cover up #Inside Job #Where is the shooter #I want bail,” the T-shirt read.
Quoting a Bible verse, he says God knows the truth and describes himself as a hardworking dad who has lost everything: “I’m not a murderer!!!”
The matter was postponed to 11 March as the defence team plans to make an application for a replying affidavit to be submitted before a judgement on his bail application can be made.
Kilian remains in custody at Goodwood Prison since his arrest last September.