Update
ABERDEEN NEWS - Aberdeen farmer Hannes Gouws was shot in the face at point-blank range in March during an attempted robbery at the farm Makateesplaas, on the outskirts of Aberdeen.
Three men have been arrested so far in connection with the case.
On Wednesday, November 8, a special court hearing was held in the Aberdeen Magistrates Court, where the three suspects applied for bail.
The court was packed with farmers who had come to show their support to the family of the victim.
The three suspects, all from George in the Western Cape, stand accused on the following charges relating to the attack on Hannes Gouws on March 31 this year.
1. Attempted murder
2. Armed Robbery with aggravating circumstances
3. Conspiracy to murder
These suspects may also be linked to the house breaking on Hannes Gouws’ farm.
Zolile Ngeza from Port Elizabeth was the legal representative for one of the suspects.
He stated that his client was employed at a local gym in George, is the sole bread winner in his family and should be released on R1 000 bail.
Piet Meyer of Graaff-Reinet represented the other two suspects and also asked for R1 000 bail each.
State Prosecutor Advocate Zukiswa Zokusa from Jansenville made reference to Black Monday and expressed her concern as to the safety of farmers.
All three suspects have precious cases against them ranging from assault to house breaking.
Judge van der Westhuizen from Port Elizabeth denied bail for all three men, and the case was remanded to January 18, 2018.
Warrant Office Shane Bosch from DPCI, Serious Organized Crime in Port Elizabeth, stated that a further suspect has turned State witness, and that he is finalizing charges against a fifth suspect.
Read a previous article: Another farm attack rocks Aberdeen
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