Brandon Pretorius murder: Investigating officer tells court accused are safer behind bars
Pretorius's family described him as a loving man.
The two men charged in connection with the death of Brandon Pretorius (27) will remain behind bars until June 3.
Pretorius, a father from Jansen Park, succumbed to his injuries on 6 May, several days after an assault that reportedly stemmed from an incident at Malbroer Pub and Grill in North Rand Road.
The accused, Ruan Beetge (30) and Gordon Westraad (45), continued their bail application at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court today (May 27).
During proceedings, the investigating officer, Sergeant Millicent Tshabalala, once again took the stand.
Tshabalala testified that she had profiled the two accused and revealed that there were three assault cases against Beetge (accused one), although he had never been convicted.
She stated that one of the cases involved the assault of a uniformed police officer, while another was related to domestic violence.
In the matter involving the police officer, Tshabalala explained that the investigating officer never submitted the docket to court for a summons.
The second case, she said, was withdrawn as a result of mediation. The third case was closed at the police station, with no reason provided.
The officer also testified that Beetge gained more followers on TikTok following the assault, which led to him to receiving money.
According to her further testimony, the second accused, Westraad, has no prior convictions and she stated both should not be granted bail.
“According to my observation, their lives are in danger. My duty is to protect them and the community. While they are in prison, they are not in danger. Outside, the community poses a danger to them,” she said.
Beetge’s advocate, Marius van Wyngaard, began his cross-examination of Tshabalala.
Among other questions, he quizzed her about the post-mortem report and an accident Pretorius was involved in prior to being taken to hospital.
The bail application will resume on June 3.
Also Read: Young father dies after assault
Also Read: Malbroer assault: It’s been a nightmare – Mother of slain son
