By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A murder case against five men was postponed by the Koster Magistrate’s Court until 9 January 2022. Five accused, Stefan Nel (54), Donovan Martin (20), Mustafa Alberrtyn (39), Wayne Schroeder (52) and Adam Barnard (24) along with Lourene Janse van Niewenhuisen were arrested on 21 December 2022 following the disappearance of Klaas Mosimanyana Jobontho (32).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said: “Jobontho was reported missing between 16 and 21 December 2022 in Koster. The police investigations led them to a plot in Doornlaagte. Upon their arrival, they were denied access by some of the accused.
“What became more suspicious to the police officers was people running between buildings upon their arrival. The police managed to gain entry and they allegedly discovered traces of blood on the floor and a sleeping bag.”
Mamothame further said, the trails of blood led the police to a storeroom, where they found a decomposed body with hands tied and indications of severe beating. He added that two firearms and ammunition were also recovered.
“Police investigations are still underway and a post-mortem is also conducted to establish the cause of death. All five accused will remain in police custody until their next court appearance, where they are expected to register a formal bail application.
“The charges against Lourene Janse van Niewenhuisen were provisionally withdrawn pending the outcome of the investigations. The accused are facing a charge of murder, defeating the ends of justice and possession of unlicensed firearms,” said Mothamme.
He said an application to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West for the matter to be transferred to the high court has also been submitted. Mamothame said the case was postponed to 9 January 2023 for the appointment of a Legal Aid attorney, for accused number 2 to 4 and for further investigations.
The Guardian 