A Vanderbijlpark man who allegedly killed a man he purchased cattle from made his first appearance in court.Images-Pixabay/Canva
“A Vanderbijlpark man allegedly asked a cattle seller to drive with him to finalise their payment only to shot and kill him” said Lumka Mahanjana.
A Vanderbijlpark man who allegedly killed a man he purchased cattle from made his first appearance in court.Images-Pixabay/Canva
A Vanderbijlpark man appeared in court for allegedly killing a seller after an arranged cattle purchase. Fredrick Pieter Jacobus Botha, 42, is accused of murdering Christiaan Van Tonder on 29 November 2021.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) states Botha bought 31 cattle worth R239 000.00 from Van Tonder, according to IOL.
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NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Botha allegedly took Van Tonder to settle payment after the cattle purchase.
They reportedly drove to a remote area near Theoville plots, Barrage, where Botha allegedly shot and killed Van Tonder.
“This was discovered and reported to the police the same day by the neighbourhood watch of Barrage after they found the bakkie of the deceased with his body inside.”
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On August 29, 2023, the police arrested Botha following investigations. He faced murder and stock theft charges in Vanderbijlpark Court. Botha was held in police custody after his court appearance. The NPA stated the case would resume on September 4 for bail.
“Information regarding stock theft is kept confidential, as is the case with information that is provided in respect of any other crime.
“The witness protection programme is in place and is utilised, if necessary, for the individuals who provide information regarding crime,” he said.
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The police minister, Bheki Cele, reported that 18 817 individuals were charged with cattle theft from 2018/19 to 2022/23.
KwaZulu-Natal led with 4,814 cases, trailed by the Eastern Cape (2 798), the North West (2 794), and others.
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