The man accused of murdering a well-known Kimberley businessman appeared in court on Thursday (26/9), two months after the incident occurred.

The accused, John Ross Henderson (38), applied for a formal bail hearing, which has since been postponed to Monday (30/9) as the defense argued that it should be a schedule five offense instead of schedule six as they believe Jayson Afrique’s murder was not premeditated.

“The case is postponed to Monday, 30 September 2024, as his formal bail application will continue. The suspect will remain in custody, and the investigation continues,” said police spokesperson, Sergio Kock.

Suspect to appear in court for fatal shooting of Kimberley biker | OFM

Close friends and family of the deceased gathered alongside other members of the community on all three days Henderson was supposed to appear in court, with posters that read “No Bail” and “Justice for Jayson”.

There has also been a petition sent around on social media to oppose bail, as well as a physical signing for community members at the CC Riders offices.

Man fatally shot outside Kimberley home | OFM

“The Northern Cape Provincial Organised Crime Investigations Unit (Hawks), with the assistance of the Kimberley Flying Squad, arrested the male suspect in connection with the alleged murder of Jayson Afrique and the attempted murder of his wife,” added Kock.

The suspect was arrested on Friday (20/9) at around 20:30 at the Engen petrol station in Kimberley.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg