By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West police said the attempted murder case against Wernich Botha (33), who was arrested on 7 September 2023, has now been changed to murder. This comes after one of the victims, Hilton Pretorius (32) who was allegedly attacked by Botha died this morning in hospital.
North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, Botha was arrested after an incident that was reported on 3 September 2023 at about 13:30pm. Myburgh further said, Botha allegedly assaulted Pretorius and another man (44) in a parking area at a shopping centre in Doornkruin, near Klerksdorp.
“Both victims were taken to a local hospital and a man (44) was discharged with a shoulder injury and concussion. Pretorius sustained a brain injury and was admitted to the hospital.
“Consequent to the incident, video clips were circulated on various social media platforms. The police would like to request the public to not further share the clips as that can hamper investigations,” she said.
Myburgh added that, Botha briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court at the time facing attempted murder and assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). She said Botha was granted R2000 bail and the case was postponed to 19 October 2023.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and said conflict should rather be resolved in a peaceful manner, instead of resorting to violence as that constitutes a criminal offence. Kwena said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.
The Guardian 