The accused appeared briefly in the Kroonstad Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (9/10), and the matter was postponed to 10 December. The postponement was necessary due to outstanding forensic evidence, said Free State and Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane.

“The case was postponed to 10 December for further investigations, DNA results, and an outstanding ballistic report.”

The duo faces serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, and defeating the ends of justice, after human remains were discovered on their farm on 20 August. The discovery followed a tip-off from local residents, which led police to the scene. Forensic teams have since collected DNA samples in an effort to confirm the identity of the deceased.

While the investigation continues, the retired doctor has been granted R15,000 bail, and his grandson was released into the care of a guardian under the provisions of the Child Justice Act, following their initial court appearance.

Political parties, including the EFF and ActionSA, have welcomed the arrests and called for the judiciary to impose a firm sentence should the accused be found guilty. 

Both parties have emphasised justice must be served, irrespective of the accused’s age, profession, or social standing.

Interests of farm owners

EFF MPL Malefane Bosanku Msimanga condemned what he views as deep flaws in rural safety strategies. The incident highlights systemic issues within the rural safety framework, stressing law enforcement agencies fail to protect the most vulnerable and often appear more concerned with the interests of farm owners, said.

He also criticised what he described as a biased approach to rural policing and called for reforms to ensure equal protection under the law.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs