Judgement for a trial within a trial regarding a warrantless search that eventually led to the arrest of alleged drug kingpin Fadwaan “Vet” Murphy will take place at 2pm on Wednesday.
Murphy’s lawyer, Advocate Jan van der Berg, stated during closing arguments at the Cape High Court that cops did not have a search warrant for a raid at a drug warehouse, even though they had enough time to secure the scene and get the warrant from a magistrate.
Witnesses were called to testify why a warrant was not used on 18 September 2015, at the house in Reindeer Street, Lotus River, where it was believed Murphy had a drug packaging warehouse.
Cops seized drugs, equipment and money worth R4 million.
Investigating officer Captain Nadene Britz said she was dispatched to the premises after cops received a tip-off about suspected illegal activities.
She said she went in quickly and without a warrant as she feared evidence would be destroyed.
But Van der Berg argued there was ample time to secure the scene and then get a warrant.
Van der Berg also asked why she would even go there without a warrant.
But Judge Diane Davis said Britz had merely been asked to interview people at the premises.