Brandon Pretorius murder: Investigating officer tells court accused are safer behind bars
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The second case, she said, was withdrawn as a result of mediation.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!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
20 minutes ago
- The South African
Domestic helper arrested after stealing designer items in viral video
A Tshwane woman has posted a series of TikTok videos in which she had her domestic helper arrested for stealing her designer clothing, alcohol, and household items. The clips, which were posted over the weekend, went viral and received over a million views. On TikTok, user @brasco posted several videos about discovering how the family's domestic helper had stolen a vast amount of her personal items from her Mamelodi East home. This included bottles of alcohol like Ice Tropez and Veuve Clicquot, designer Burberry T-shirts, and household items like detergents and hardware. 'Prioritise checking your helper's bags when they leave to go on holiday. You'll be shocked', the TikToker posted in a video amassing almost one million views. In another, with close to two million views, police arrive to arrest the domestic helper. @brascoza ♬ original sound – KHADEAIR @brascoza ♬ LEMENEMENE – King Monada Others reveal how the woman emptied the contents of her helper's bags to discover her items inside. The woman claimed she felt inclined to search the bags of her Lesotho-born domestic helper after another incident a few weeks prior. @brascoza ♬ original sound – brasco In the comment section, viewers were shocked at the volume of goods stolen by the domestic helper. However, the woman's decision to call the police and have her employee arrested had mixed views. Some felt sorry for the helper and felt that involving the police was unnecessary. @Morekotholethoko: 'The salaries we pay these people are so little. I wouldn't call the police on her. I will be a bit more gracious.' @Jackie: 'She envied having this life, that's why she did whatever she did. Forgive her' Others felt the domestic helper's actions justified the outcome. @luvleigh_leigh: 'Theft is a criminal offence.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
12 hours ago
- The Citizen
High Court sentences Seth Nthai for soliciting R5 Million bribe
In a landmark judgment delivered by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division in Johannesburg on July 30, former senior counsel Seth Nthai was convicted for soliciting a R5m bribe linked to a high-profile international arbitration case. Nthai, who represented the South African government in the high-profile Piero Foresti arbitration dispute, pleaded guilty to soliciting a substantial bribe from Italian businessman Mario Marcenaro during a meeting in Sandton on October 10, 2009. The intended bribe aimed to sway the arbitration outcome in favour of Marcenaro and co-claimants, threatening the integrity of a case involving the South African government itself. Also read: Sandton crime stats show ups and downs While the R5m was never paid, the court emphasised that even the solicitation of such a bribe represents a severe violation of ethical and legal responsibilities. The sentence included a R500 000 fine or two years' imprisonment, plus a five-year suspended prison sentence contingent on avoiding further offences. The National Prosecuting Authority's regional spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, praised the conviction as a milestone in the fight against corruption, particularly within the legal sector. 'This case exposes how corruption can undermine justice and public trust, especially when legal professionals manipulate the system for personal gain.' 'Although the R5m was never paid, the court found that the mere solicitation of such a bribe constituted a serious breach of legal and ethical duty.' Also read: Billboard visually pollutes Bryanston Highlighting the complex legal proceedings, including the recusal of a judge and retrials, Mjonondwane said that Nthai's cooperation and guilty plea were factored into the sentencing. 'The case had a complex legal history, including extensive trial proceedings and the recusal of the initial presiding judge after several state witnesses had already testified. This led to the matter being restarted before a new judge, ultimately resulting in the current plea agreement. 'This conviction affirms our commitment to fighting corruption, especially within the legal profession and among public office bearers. The abuse of public trust and the justice system by legal professionals is a serious threat to the rule of law. Mr Nthai's actions were a betrayal of that trust, and this sentence sends a clear message that no one is above the law.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
Eyewitness News
13 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
SANDF probing fake video of 'soldier' calling for govt to be overthrown
JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has launched an internal investigation to probe what it said was a fake video of a soldier calling for mutiny and a march to the Union Buildings. The video, circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms, includes someone purporting to be a senior army commander inciting members of the military to engage in an illegal strike. The man, dressed in camouflage, calls for the government to be overthrown. SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala said the man seen in the 14-minute-long video was an impersonator. "The SANDF wishes to state categorically that this video is fake, misleading, and maliciously fabricated. The individual depicted is not a recognised commander of the SANDF, and the message conveyed in the video does not reflect the position or discipline of the South African military." Tshabalala said this video was a deliberate attempt to manipulate public perception and sow discord. "Members of the SANDF are strongly cautioned and warned not to associate, support, or entertain any such unlawful activities. An internal investigation is underway to trace the origins of this video and those responsible will be pursued and prosecuted in accordance with military and civilian law."
