Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
05 April 2024
The accused, Joseph Jan Shabangu (49) was remanded in custody after his re-appearance before Bethal Magistrate’s Court today, 05 April 2024 facing a charge of murder.
The suspect 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 unauthorised 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.
The suspect (48) 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.
The male suspect was arrested and appeared for a formal bail application this morning, 05 April 2024.
The matter was postponed to Thursday, 11 April 2024.
