City security chief calls for 'cop killer' to stay behind bars
BUSTED: Craig ‘Krake’ De Lilly, 36, appeared in Cape Town Magistrates Court
Image: Supplied
Safety and security mayco member JP Smith has called on the State to reconsider it's stance in deciding not to oppose bail for an accused cop killer.
Craig "Krake" De Lilly appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Monday after his arrest on Friday after new information emerged in the murder case of traffic cop Walton van Rooyen on March 17, 2020.
De Lilly, a taxi driver, is alleged to have shot and killed traffic cop Van Rooyen in his patrol car.
KILLED Slain traffic cop Walton van Rooyen, 49.
Image: Supplied
De Lilly was arrested along with his taxi guard and two other men shortly after the shooting in Acre Road, however a month later the case was provisionally withdrawn.
The accused returned to the dock making a brief court appearance on Monday facing Schedule 6 charges of murder, the unlawful possession of a 9mm pistol and the unlawful possession of 14 cartridges.
The court heard that the warrant for his arrest was issued back in March 2025.
The State said that the investigation is complete and that it will not oppose bail.
In a statement, Smith called for the State to reconsider their decision on his bail.
Smith said: "While the reasons for the unopposed bail application are unclear at the stage, we call on the courts to use their discretion when the matter returns to court next week.
"We believe that individuals accused of murdering officers in the line of duty should not be allowed to roam our streets while on trial. If we cannot protect our officers, we cannot protect the public."
Smith added: “We hope this arrest brings the family some comfort and we call on the courts to act diligently.
“We hope this serves as a lesson to those who callously kill officers executing their duties. If we cannot protect our officers, we cannot protect the public.”
“The case was postponed to July 28 for bail information and for a lawyer to represent the accused."
De Lilly is alleged to be a member of the 26 gang, has a criminal record dating back to 1999 and had been convicted of robbery, kidnapping and rape.
Cape Times