Henderson murder trial: Accused to seek bail on new facts

AS THE trial of John-Ross Crossbery Henderson is scheduled to start in the Northern Cape High Court next month, the murder accused intends to apply for bail based on new facts that emerged during the investigation.

He was denied bail twice previously in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court.

Henderson, who appeared in the Northern Cape High Court this week, is charged with the murder of Jayson Afrique, the attempted murder of his wife, Micayla Afrique, and defeating the ends of justice.

Jayson was fatally wounded after several bullets were fired at the vehicle in which the couple were travelling as they approached the driveway of their New Park home on July 31, 2024.

The murder weapon has yet to be found.

State advocate Theunis Barnard said the State was still waiting for outstanding evidence, including a witness statement that needed to be signed and the comparison of camera footage.

“One handset that is password-protected is currently in Pretoria for analysis. An additional cellphone number belonging to the accused was obtained, where communication with another cellphone number will also be analysed,” said Barnard.

He estimated that all evidence could be made available to the defence by October 13.

Henderson’s legal representative, Herholdt Robertson, indicated that they were ready for trial and objected to further delays.

“If the outstanding evidence is only made available a week before the trial is scheduled to commence on October 20, I will not have adequate time to prepare and consult with my client,” Robertson said.

He told the court he was “out of funds” but had received an undertaking from his client that legal fees would become “readily available”.

Northern Cape High Court Judge President Pule Tlaletsi postponed the matter until October 14 to assess readiness for trial and set the trial dates for October 20–24 and November 10–14.