The case against the mother and son accused of murdering John Hamilton George Banks (62) was temporarily withdrawn at the Benoni Regional Court.

NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that the matter was referred back to the Benoni Police Station’s detective branch on June 11 for further investigation.

“The investigating officer was given until October 28 to resubmit the docket for the matter to be re-enrolled,” she said.

Captain Nomsa Sekele, the spokesperson for the police station, confirmed that investigations into Banks’ disappearance and murder are ongoing. However, the docket has not yet been handed back to the court.

“The case is not closed. The investigation remains open and will be presented to the court once we are satisfied that it has been adequately finalised,” said Sekele.

Banks’ aggrieved family and friends expressed dissatisfaction at the delay.

“We are left with more questions than answers,” said Beverly Banks, the victim’s sister-in-law, who resides in the Western Cape.

“The police have failed John.”

Patricia (54) and Jarren (31) Banks were arrested at the family’s Benoni Small Farms home on January 17, 2024.

News of the Boden Chem Group co-owner’s disappearance broke on July 19, 2023, when the Vulnerable Citizens Support Initiative stated he had been reported as missing. At the time, information indicated that he was last seen leaving his home at 07:00.

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Sekele confirmed that on July 20, members of the Bedfordview Police Station responded to a call at the

Elandsfontein train station, where a burnt body had been found.

An inquest docket was opened.

“The following day, the victim’s burnt-out vehicle, a Land Rover, was found in Birchleigh,” she said.

“A forensic investigation positively identified the remains found at the train station as those of Banks.”

Banks’ wife and adopted son were granted bail of R5 000 each on February 20, 2024, despite the State’s opposition, stating that the pair were flight risks.

Delivering her ruling, magistrate Smita Naidoo said the accused faced an opposed schedule-six bail application, without presenting exceptional circumstances that would warrant their release.

However, she continued by saying that the State did not present strong prima facie evidence, due to outstanding findings.

“Based on this, I find that the evidence presented is based on speculation and suspicion,” said Naidoo.

The pair were released on stringent conditions.

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