Bail U-Turn: 11 AGU Officers Released After 50 Days Behind Bars

Emotions spilled over outside the Western Cape High Court on Friday after 11 Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) officers accused of murdering an alleged gangster were granted bail following a successful appeal.

The officers, who had spent close to 50 days behind bars, challenged an earlier ruling that denied them bail while investigations continued. Their release sparked scenes of relief among family members and supporters who had gathered at court.

High Court Grants Bail After AGU Officers Challenge Earlier Ruling

The accused face multiple serious charges, including kidnapping, torture, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, attempting to obstruct the course of justice, and the murder of alleged Clever Kidz (CK) gang member Wade Price.

Price died on 4 December 2025 after an interrogation connected to a shooting outside the Athlone Magistrate’s Court the day before.

All 11 officers have consistently denied any wrongdoing. In their bail applications, they told the court they were shocked that the State opposed their release, particularly after the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) had indicated bail of R1 000 would be appropriate.

During the initial bail proceedings, only accused number nine was granted bail of R1 000 due to medical concerns.

Defence Slams State Case as ‘Mere Say-So’

Advocate Bruce Hendricks, representing all the accused, argued that there was no justification for keeping the officers incarcerated and said the magistrate in the lower court had erred.

He told the court: “There is no evidence, none before the court whatsoever that a kidnapping, murder and torture took place. That is all the mere say so of the investigating officer.”

After hearing arguments, the court initially reserved judgment. However, shortly thereafter, word emerged that the appeal had succeeded, marking a major legal win for the defence.

The High Court ordered that the remaining officers still in custody be released on bail of R2 000 each, subject to strict conditions.

Strict Bail Conditions Imposed as Investigation Continues

According to the court order, the accused are prohibited from contacting or interfering with State witnesses, either directly or indirectly. They are also barred from entering Manenberg in both their personal and official capacities until the case is finalised.

In addition, the officers must notify the investigating officer of any change in their residential address.

Scenes of celebration followed as family members collected the officers from Brandvlei Correctional Facility and Worcester Prison later that day.

A community activist, who requested anonymity, welcomed the outcome of the appeal.

She told the media, “I went to Rawsonville to go and collect them. The whole crowd at the High Court all jumped into our cars and the defence team escorted us to collect them.

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“It was unfortunate and unfair towards these AGU officers, because it’s like their own boss that locked them up.”

Meanwhile, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the investigation is still incomplete, with key evidence — including DNA results, crime scene reports and the post-mortem — yet to be finalised.

The matter was postponed to 5 March for further investigation.