Picture: The murder accused, Wernich Botha/Screengrab
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man who allegedly assaulted two people at the shopping centre parking lot in Klerksdorp briefly appeared at Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Wernich Botha (33) was arrested after he allegedly assaulted Hilton Pretorius (32) and PW Roos (44) during a fistfight.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said both victims were taken to a local hospital, where Roos was discharged with a shoulder injury and a concussion. He said, however, Pretorius succumbed to the injuries a few days after he was admitted to hospital.
“Botha was initially charged with attempted murder, however, the state has altered the charge to murder, following the death of Pretorius. The charge of assault with intention to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) was also altered to attempted murder after the state reviewed the injuries sustained by Roos, who was also allegedly assaulted by the accused.
“His charges have now been changed to a schedule 5 and the court has retained his bail status of R2000. Botha was ordered not to interfere with the state’s witnesses. The case was postponed to 15 January 2024 for further investigations,” said Mamothame.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, together with Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, has called for calm and they further request for the state to be afforded time and space to conduct its investigations in an endeavour to bring the alleged perpetrator to book.
The Guardian 