Blokland murder case postponed again
A pre-trail conference has been scheduled for November 13.
Benoni resident Sean Swart, who stands accused of the murder of Rynfield businessman Nardus Blokland in November last year, briefly appeared in the Groblersdal Regional Court on September 11.
Acting on behalf of the family on a watching brief, Chad Thomas of IRS Forensic Investigations stated that the case was postponed to facilitate a pre-trial conference on November 13, a year following Blokland’s death.
“A pre-trial conference is to ensure that all the relevant police reports, documents and statements pertaining to the case are provided to the defence,” explained Thomas.
“As directed on terms of section 54(1) of the Magistrates’ Court Act, these proceedings set the parameters for the upcoming trial to consider the simplification of issues, necessity or desirability of amendments to any pleadings and the possibility of obtaining admissions or entering into a plea agreement.
“As part of the watching brief, attorney Eric Bryer and myself will be part of the pre-trial conference to ensure that the victim as well as the family’s rights are protected.”
It is alleged that Swart assaulted Blokland, using a wooden bar stool at the Highside Tavern in Tonteldoos, Mpumalanga, which is owned by the accused, on November 4.
Blokland and his wife Alison, along with other friends, were at the venue in celebration of the accused’s 40th birthday.
According to information, the attack came after Swart’s brother-in-law, who had recently undergone a hip replacement, fell following a bout of play-fighting with Blokland.
Eyewitnesses stated that Swart allegedly witnessed the exchange from a distance and responded by hitting Blokland.
After storming into the pub, he emerged with a stool which he used to assault the victim.
Blokland is believed to have died as a result of chest and head trauma.
Thomas continued by saying that although these delays were causing strain for the Blokland family, it was important that the State follow due process thus ensuring that justice is served.
Swart has still not been requested to plead and remains out on bail which was set at R15 000, following his second appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on November 9.
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