Pomona businessman to remain in custody over festive season
The State revealed they joined the 2011 inquest docket involving the death of Bouwer’s brother, Robbie Bouwer, with the current case.
Pomona businessman, Anton Bouwer, will remain in custody over the festive season after the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court postponed his case on December 5, to allow the State time to finalise its indictment.
The matter was adjourned to February 7.
Bouwer stands accused of killing his parents, Robert (78) and Bettie (73), at their Bredell home before going to his home in Fairleads and fatally shooting his stepdaughter, Natasha (23) and domestic worker, Elizabeth Mahlangu (56), on January 22.
His wife, Adélle (43), was also shot and airlifted to the hospital. She survived the shooting.
During the proceedings, Advocate Takalani Mukhumo requested a further postponement to allow consultation on all evidence.
He stated some information, including forensic reports, was still outstanding from various role players.
Mukhumo further revealed the State joined the 2011 inquest docket involving the death of Bouwer’s brother, Robbie Bouwer, with the current case.
Robbie’s body was found next to an abandoned, burnt-out vehicle on the R23 Road in Bredell.
“In light of the information received, it looks like the matter will not proceed as an inquest but as a murder case.
“In that matter, too, there are outstanding forensic reports. I can confirm that the State has received the docket,” Mukhumo said.
He added the State was prioritising efforts to finalise outstanding exhibits in both cases.
Contradictory
Bouwer’s attorney, Advocate Hugo van der Westhuizen, urged the court to consider the period his client had already spent in custody.
He argued the violation of Bouwer’s constitutional rights, as he had been in custody for a year.
Van der Westhuizen expressed frustration over what he described as contradictory information from the State.
@benonicitytimes Anton Bouwer is back in court this morning. #benoni #benonitiktok #boksburgtiktok #boksburg
He pointed to correspondence he received on December 4 from the Director of Public Prosecutions, which supported the postponement.
The letter acknowledged delays caused by the investigating officer’s involvement in another case.
“That is why my client has been sitting in custody for a year, awaiting further investigations in this case. The State is still waiting for the same evidence they have been waiting for since the onset of this matter,” he said.
He also doubted the State’s ability to finalise the indictment by next year.
In response, Mukhumo reassured the expedition of the case, and said the outstanding forensic reports were given priority.
Also Read: WATCH: Bouwer family shooting: Family, friends celebrate Natasha’s life
Also Read: Bouwer case: mysterious man in court causes confusion
