Three in court following farm murder
MODIMOLLE – Three suspects who were arrested in connection with the killing of a 44 year old man, Mr Hendrik Petrus Riaan van der Walt about two weeks ago, were remanded in custody when they appeared before Modimolle Magistrate Court on Monday 16 March.
The arrest and subsequent court appearance of the three is a sequel to an incident that happened on a farm just outside Modimolle on Friday 6 March at about 21:30 when gunmen attacked a group of family and friends who were celebrating the birthday of me Wilma van der Walt, wife of the deceased. A shot was fired and killed van der Walt where he was standing at the braai. The unknown intruders fled immediately after the shooting. A 308 Musgrave riffle was found near the murder scene on the farm the following day.
As a result of the intensive investigation by Modimolle SAPS members, the three suspects were arrested and one fire-arm, a .22 riffle as well as three knives confiscated from the suspects. These items as well as the 308 Musgrave riffle were linked to an incident of house-breaking on another farm, reported about three weeks before the murder incident.
The three accused, all from Phomolong Section, Modimolle, are Andrew Sibanyoni (20 years old), Erick Majadibodu (24 years) and Brian Haas(23 years). They are currently facing charges of murder as well as house-breaking and theft and were remanded in custody until the next court appearance on 23 March 2009.