The trial of two men accused of being hired as hitmen to kill Pofadder Hotel owner Leon Brits will resume in the Northern Cape High Court in January next year.
THE MURDER trial of the late Pofadder hotel owner Leon Brits will resume in the Northern Cape High Court Upington circuit court next year.
The regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the accused in the matter, Enrich Williams, 35 and Amatle Bareki, 25, would return to court on January 31, 2022.
“The two co-accused are facing charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances as well as the unlawful possession of firearms. They are accused of being hired as hitmen (to kill) Leon Brits on October 7, 2020.”
Brits’ body was found floating in a swimming pool on one of his properties.
The suspects were arrested after a multidisciplinary investigation was launched by the SAPS and a team of detectives led by the late Brigadier Dick de Waal.
Senokoatsane said the trial was set down for November 15 but was postponed to November 22 after Suretha Brits, the wife of the deceased, pleaded guilty to murdering her husband.
“She was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for her role in the murder of her husband,” said Senokoatsane.
“The trial started on November 22 and was adjourned on November 30, whereupon the court heard statements and testimonies from various State witnesses called by the State.”
Senokoatsane added that during the trial, Jacques van Vuuren, as well as Suretha Brits, testified how the murder was planned and executed as well as their roles in the killing of Leon Brits.
“Van Vuuren was tasked by Suretha to identify hitmen who were prepared to kill her husband. Van Vuuren, who became a key State witness, was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment with five years suspended for his role in the murder.”
Senior State advocate Hannes Cloete is appearing on behalf of the State.
