Photos of a gold BMW with a ‘Kilian 1’ numberplate and a man posing with heavy weaponry, and terse WhatsApp exchanges with businessman Zunaid Moti, were presented in the Charl Kinnear murder trial at the Western Cape High Court on Wednesday.
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Evidence from two Samsung phones and an iPhone seized from accused Zane Kilian revealed numerous texts and photos, leaving Kilian visibly upset during the proceedings.
Investigating officer Captain Eddie du Plessis, who has spent years connecting the evidence in Kinnear’s assassination, presented the findings. The evidence included WhatsApp messages between Kilian and his former attorney Eric Bryer, taken from a hidden folder on Kilian’s devices containing photos and selfies, some with weapons.
One image showed Kilian and businessman Anwa Gallie with a heavy weapon resembling a Russian DShK. Gallie had previously been arrested in a firearms license racket. Another image showed Kilian holding a handgun with Gallie and others, including Nafiz Modack.
Du Plessis also shared pictures of a gold BMW seized from Gallie’s house, registered to a Chinese national, but never to Gallie or Kilian. Another photo on Kilian’s phone showed the BMW with a personalized ‘Kilian 1’ plate.
Kilian, Modack, and 13 others face charges related to Kinnear’s murder, along with three other murders and the attempted murder of lawyer William Booth. All have pleaded not guilty.
During the trial, Du Plessis presented WhatsApp messages between Kilian and Bryer, showing Kilian’s frantic preparations before his arrest. Kilian claimed he thought he was tracking someone else’s wife, not Kinnear, and that his pinging platform and credit records access were used by others.
Du Plessis also played a video clip sent by Bryer to Kilian, showing former SAA contractor Vuyisile Ndzeku testifying at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. Shortly before his arrest, Bryer advised Kilian to remain silent.
Kilian’s counsel, advocate Pieter Nel, opposed the admission of messages between Kilian and his ex-wife Nicolene, citing marital privilege. However, the State indicated it might not need the messages, as Kilian’s ex-wife would testify for the State.
In one message, Kilian contacted businessman Zunaid Moti on behalf of Gallie, asking Moti to call Gallie. Moti brusquely declined, telling Kilian to back off and contact his chief of staff instead.
The trial continues on Thursday.
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Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images