Zane Killian to appear in court for attempted murder of William Booth

Ex-rugby player Zane Killian is set to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday 30 November for conspiracy to kill prominent attorney William Booth. He was involved in an alleged hit at his home earlier this year but managed to escape unscathed. 

Killian stands accused of murder along with five other co-accused.

ZANE KILLIAN TO APPEAR IN CAPE TOWN COURT 

Killian, who was arrested in Johannesburg in September, has also been implicated in the murder of top Cape Town cop Charl Kinnear. He was allegedly shot and killed outside his home in Bishop Lavis in the same month. For that case, he stands accused of conspiracy to commit murder, murder and unlawful interception of communication.

According to Killian’s lawyer Eric Bryer, he will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court for the attempted murder of Booth on Monday.

Bryer said his client is facing three charges namely; murder, conspiracy and telecommunications. Bryer is currently in Johannesburg and said the matter would most likely be postponed. 

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, however, listed two additional charges. He said Killian is also facing a gang-related charge in relation to the William Booth matter, as well, as, access or interception of data.  

Ntabazalila said Killian is expected to appear again on Tuesday 1 December 2020 in relation to the Kinnear matter for a bail application. 

CHARL KINNEAR ALLEGEDLY SHOT AND KILLED 

While Booth managed to survive an attack earlier this year, Kinnear was not as lucky. Following the tragic shooting, Paul O’Sullivan and his colleagues offered a R1 million reward for the perpetrator. 

“We will pay R1 million in cash for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons that arranged the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Charl Kinnear on Friday 18 September 2020. You must call 0800 118 118 to get in touch,” Forensics for Justice said. 

Kinnear’s superior, Major-General Andre Lincoln, delivered an emotional eulogy following his death. He praised the fallen cop for being a role model, a person anybody could look up to.  

“It has been a trying time since that afternoon on Friday 18 September. I imagine the pain is more intense for the Kinnear family. Something as tragic as the death of of Charl Kinnear… it is easy to be diverted and forget what has happened,” he said.

“The fact of the matter is, all of us here have lost a dear friend, a husband, a father, a brother, colleague, a role model,” he added.

“Whichever title you wish to assign to Chart Kinnear, one thing that cannot be disputed – he was much loved and revered. That is what brought you here, in his honour.”