Sergeant Altus Coetzer, from the K9 unit in Hartswater, testified in the Northern Cape High Court on Thursday how he arrested the fifth accused in the Brand murder trial.
SERGEANT Altus Coetzer from the K9 unit in Hartswater testified in the Northern Cape High Court on Thursday that he arrested the fifth accused, charged for the kidnapping, robbery and murder of the Brand family on their smallholding, after he was spotted fleeing into the bushes.
The accused – Donald Seolesang, 22, Tshepo Visagie, 38, Kgomotso Mpumlwane, 45, and Tshepaone Melato, 21 – appeared in the Northern Cape High Court on charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
Coetzer testified that Melato jumped over a fence and fled into the veld next to the N14 near Vryburg while they were searching for the stolen silver Mazda CX5 that was stolen from the farm.
“We were waiting at the entrance of Rooiwal near Taung when I received a call from the neighbourhood watch regarding a vehicle fitting the description of the silver Mazda. We drove in the direction of Vryburg just past the Pudimoe turn off when I noticed a vehicle driving in the direction of Vryburg.
“I checked the vehicle registration on the eNatis system and no information was available although I was informed that this was indeed the car that was stolen from the farm.”
He indicated that the licence disc corresponded with the original licence plate which had a Gauteng Province (GP) registration.
“The car had a Northern Cape (NC) number plate at the back when we pulled it over.”
Coetzer stated that after they stopped the vehicle a person wearing dark clothes jumped out of the vehicle and jumped over a fence.
“I went to fetch my dog in the kennel at the back of the vehicle. The person disappeared into the bushes. I identified myself as being a police officer and I warned him in three official languages. I told him to come out of the bush, failing which I would release my dog. No one was assaulted in my presence and no shots were fired during the arrest.”
He added that he released his dog when the person refused to adhere to his instructions.
“I gave instructions to my dog to search for the suspect.
“After the suspect was pinned down, I put the dog on the leash and moved him away from the suspect.”
Coetzer stated that the suspect identified himself as Tshepo Melato when he was handed over at the police station.
“He had pressure bites on his left forearm although he refused medical treatment.”
Legal representative for Melato, Arnold Nel told the court that his client was wearing a red, black and white tracksuit.
“He was inside the vehicle when it was pulled over. According to him the occupants were instructed to get out while two shots were fired. They were told to lie on their stomachs on the grass next to the road.
“He stated that the police were very aggressive towards him where he was beaten and repeatedly asked where Visage (accused number two) was. He denied jumping over the fence and stated that the dog bit him on his left arm while he was lying on his stomach.”
He added that his client believed that the police had fabricated their version to justify the dog attack.
