Latest news with #BoksburgMagistrate'sCourt
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
Brandon Pretorius murder: Investigating officer tells court accused are safer behind bars
The two men charged in connection with the death of Brandon Pretorius (27) will remain behind bars until June 3. Pretorius, a father from Jansen Park, succumbed to his injuries on 6 May, several days after an assault that reportedly stemmed from an incident at Malbroer Pub and Grill in North Rand Road. The accused, Ruan Beetge (30) and Gordon Westraad (45), continued their bail application at the Boksburg Magistrate's Court today (May 27). During proceedings, the investigating officer, Sergeant Millicent Tshabalala, once again took the stand. Tshabalala testified that she had profiled the two accused and revealed that there were three assault cases against Beetge (accused one), although he had never been convicted. She stated that one of the cases involved the assault of a uniformed police officer, while another was related to domestic violence. In the matter involving the police officer, Tshabalala explained that the investigating officer never submitted the docket to court for a summons. The second case, she said, was withdrawn as a result of mediation. The third case was closed at the police station, with a reason provided. The officer also testified that Beetge gained more followers on TikTok following the assault, which led to him to receiving money. According to her further testimony, the second accused, Westraad, has no prior convictions and she stated both should not be granted bail. 'According to my observation, their lives are in danger. My duty is to protect them and the community. While they are in prison, they are not in danger. Outside, the community poses a danger to them,' she said. Beetge's advocate, Marius van Wyngaard, began his cross-examination of Tshabalala. Among other questions, he quizzed her about the post-mortem report and an accident Pretorius was involved in prior to being taken to hospital. The bail application will resume on June 3. Also Read: Young father dies after assault Also Read: Malbroer assault: It's been a nightmare – Mother of slain son At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- The Citizen
Boksburg girl (11) raped and pregnant: Accused due back in court next week
A 28-year-old man accused of raping and impregnating a Boksburg child (11) will remain in custody. Boksburg Advertiser reports that this came after the accused, who may not be identified to protect the minor, resumed his bail application at the Boksburg Magistrate's Court yesterday. He faces a charge of raping a minor. The investigating officer was sick and could not take the stand, and instead submitted an affidavit stating the court should oppose bail. State prosecutor Kagiso Ralethata read the affidavit in court in which the investigating officer stated he believed the accused could jeopardise the case. The affidavit from the investigating officer further stated that although the accused is legally in the country and has lived at his current address for over a year, he is a flight risk because of the seriousness of the charge. Furthermore, the officer warned the accused may interfere with the case as he is a family friend of the victim and may, therefore, influence witnesses. Ralethata also read out the details of the rape of the 11-year-old child from the investigating officer's affidavit. Magistrate Sipho Manana ruled that the investigating officer must come to court in person on May 28. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane spoke to journalists outside the court and said the state opposed the bail application. 'Among the information provided in court was the affidavit of the investigating officer, supported by two petitions from the Ugandan community living in South Africa. 'These are supporting documents to the state opposing the release of the accused on bail.' The police arrested the suspect on April 22, and he first appeared in court on April 24. A group of community members again protested outside the court yesterday, demanding justice for the child, who the accused allegedly raped when she was six years old and again in December, after which she became pregnant. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
