Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
16 April 2024
Accused Joseph Jan Shabangu 49 appeared before the Bethal Magistrates Court for his formal bail hearing on Thursday, 11 April 2024 facing a charge of murder.
Shabangu was arrested after an incident whereby a 35-year-old man was fatally wounded after suspecting him of hunting illegally on the farm at Bethal on Sunday, 31 March 2024 at about 08h30.
According to the information, the victim was suspected of unauthorized hunting on the farm.
It is said that several shots were fired, resulting in the victim being shot and killed.
Upon arrival at the farm, the lifeless body of the victim was found with injuries, but unfortunately, he was certified dead by medical personnel at the scene.
Shabangu was also found at the scene in possession of a firearm suspected to have been used in the shooting.
Three empty cartridges were also found at the scene.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was in the company of his friend, who managed to escape unharmed.
The firearm was also seized and will undergo ballistics testing
Shabangu was granted R10 000.00 Bail after appearing for his formal bail hearing at Bethal Magistrates Court, his matter was then postponed to 17 May 2024 Pending further investigations.
