According to police reports, the 42-year-old pub owner, Pierre Bellingham, made his first appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Friday.

He is facing charges of attempted murder, handling of a firearm whilst under the influence of an intoxicating substance, and contravention of Section 22 of the Sexual Offences Act 17 December 2021.

Police Spokesperson, Thabo Covane, says a 17-year-old victim and friends visited Gregory's Pub at Emily Hobhouse Square in Dan Pienaar.

It is alleged that at closing time the owner was under the influence and asked the victim to drive him home as they both stay in Woodlands Hills.

OFM News’ Blaine Jones reports when they arrived at the suspect's house he invited the victim in.

It is further alleged that inside the house the suspect walked behind the bar counter and took out a firearm.

Covane says the victim then asked to use the bathroom and while in there sent his live location to one of his friends - indicating that he was in trouble.

When he came out of the bathroom the suspect was still holding the firearm, and then suggested that 'they were going to try something new'.

The suspect injected a substance, later discovered to be Chrystal Meth, in both arms of the victim.

The victim cannot remember what happened thereafter.

The victim was later found in the suspect's driveway and rushed to Mediclinic Bloemfontein, where he was found to have a high dosage of drugs in his system.

"At Court the investigating team pleaded for the postponement of the hearing in terms of Section 50 of the Constitution, for further investigation to be completed. The Court was adjourned and will resume on Thursday. The suspect is still in police custody," says Covane.

OFM News