The suspect stands accused of attempted murder, malicious damage to property and public violence. He was arrested last week Wednesday following the torching of a police van and damage to court property in Senekal.

This followed the appearance of two men accused of killing the 21-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner recently.

The state is opposing bail, citing various reasons, including that he allegedly incited violence and also threatened and assaulted a female officer by throttling her, among others.

State witness Tshokolo Phusholi, during cross-examination by the accused's defence earlier, accused the suspect of influencing a group of protestors to destroy court property and set a police van alight.

Meanwhile, his defence has brushed off the State's testimony and labelled it as speculation.

Two suspected murderers, Sekwetje Mahlamba (32) and Sekola Matlaletsa (44), appeared in court in Senekal for the first time last Tuesday after being nabbed the previous Saturday for the alleged murder of Horner the week before at Paul Roux near Bethlehem.

The defence added that the state does not have evidence that the accused influenced or incited violence. In his testimony, Phusholi told Magistrate Buti Mlangeni that the accused is a violent man.

Meanwhile, in his affidavit, the accused mentioned that he was previously convicted for theft and sentenced to three years in prison. The bail hearing continues.

OFM News