Local News
Johannes Baatjies case postponed again─── 10:56 Wed, 22 Mar 2017
Kimberley - The kidnapping and murder trial of Danielskuil DA councillor Johannes Baatjies was postponed until 29 March in the Northern Cape High Court, on Wednesday, as the six accused cannot afford legal representation.
The accused allegedly shot a family friend Jeffrey Nouse and forced Baatjies into the boot of their car and shot him multiple times after luring him to a business proposal in August last year.
The state alleges that the majority of the accused, who are ANC members, stood to benefit from various tenders at Kgatelopele Municipality and were attempting to prevent the coalition led by the DA and Kgatelopele Community Forum from wrestling control of the municipality, following the local government elections last year.
Northern Cape High Court Judge President Frans Kgomo advised the accused to obtain state assistance from Legal Aid if they were unable to afford private representation. He also expressed concern over undue delays.
Sandi Kwon-Hoo/OFM News
