The prosecution could withdraw charges against one of the accused who was charged for the kidnapping, robbery and murder of the Brand family on their farm near Hartswater, if he agrees to turn State witness.
THE PROSECUTION may withdraw charges against one of the accused who was charged for the kidnapping, robbery and murder of the Brand family on their farm near Hartswater, if he agrees to turn a State witness.
The bodies of the three members of the Brand family – Danie, 83, his wife Breggie, 73, and their daughter Elzabé, 54 – were found in the veld near Takaneng village near Taung two days after they were abducted from their smallholding on July 26, 2020.
The five accused – Donald Seolesang, 22, Tshepo Visagie, 38, Realeboga Manyedi, 21, Kgomotso Mpumlwane, 45, and Tshepaone Malato, 21, who are facing three counts of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping, appeared in the Northern Cape High Court on Monday.
Court proceedings only started at 2pm as the legal representatives needed to consult with their clients.
Senior State advocate Adele van Heerden indicated that they would obtain a statement from Manyedi on Monday afternoon.
She did not object to a request from the defence to postpone the matter until Tuesday to allow them to peruse additional statements that could affect the case.
The legal representative for Visagie, Chande Booysen, stated that the defence was “ambushed” by the decision of the State to consider withdrawing charges against Manyedi if he agreed to become a Section 104 witness.
Mpumlwane’s legal representative, advocate Celeste Nameka, questioned why information regarding one of the accused turning a State witness was not shared with the defence earlier on Monday morning.
“This has resulted in unnecessary delays.”
The matter will proceed on Tuesday morning.
All of the accused will remain in custody.
