The murder case against 54-year-old Stefan Nel, 20-year-old Donovan Martin, 39-year-old Mustafa Albertyn, 52-year-old Wayne Schroeder and 24-year-old Adam Barnard was postponed by the Koster Magistrate's Court to Monday 9 January 2023, for the appointment of a Legal Aid attorney for two of the accused and for further investigations.

An application to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West for the matter to be transferred to the High Court has also been submitted. The charges against Lourene Janse van Niewenhuisen were provisionally withdrawn, pending the outcome of the investigations. The five are facing charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice, and possession of unlicensed firearms.

They were arrested on 21 December 2022, following the disappearance of 32-year-old Klaas Mosimanyana Jobontho, who was reported missing between 16 and 21 December 2022, in Koster. Police investigations led them to a plot in Doornlaagte, and upon their arrival, they were denied access by some of the accused. Upon their arrival, the police officers became suspicious of people running between buildings.

The police managed to gain entry, and they allegedly discovered traces of blood on the floor and a sleeping bag. Dragging blood trails led them to a storeroom, where they discovered a decomposed body with its hands tied and signs of a severe beating.

Two firearms and ammunition were also recovered. Police investigations are still ongoing, and a post-mortem is being performed to determine the cause of death.

All five will remain in police custody until their next court appearance, where they are expected to register a formal bail application.

SA Police Service