Murder accused Werner Kluge appeared before the Kempton Park Regional Court on November 5, where his case was postponed to January 20, 2027, for further investigation.

Kluge remains out on R20 000 bail, which was granted during his formal bail application on July 30.

He faces one count of murder and, through his legal representative, Mr Madupela, indicated that he intends to plead not guilty to the charge.

The case relates to a fatal shooting allegedly committed in Van Riebeeck Park.

According to the investigating officer’s affidavit presented during the bail proceedings, Kluge allegedly arrived at a property in a white bakkie on the day of the incident and repeatedly hooted at the gate.

Also read: The state opposed bail, arguing that Kluge posed a danger to himself and others.

The deceased reportedly approached the gate, believing he was attending to a customer.

The state alleged that Kluge then got out of his vehicle and opened fire without saying anything. The deceased attempted to flee, but Kluge allegedly continued shooting before driving away.

The victim was rushed to Arwyp Hospital in Kempton Park but was declared dead on arrival as a result of his gunshot wounds.

The state further alleged that Kluge drove towards his residence after the shooting, intending to take his own life. He reportedly contacted his father, who found him, persuaded him not to harm himself and disarmed him before convincing him to hand himself over at Norkem Park SAPS.

During the bail proceedings, the court heard that preliminary investigations indicated Kluge’s wife had allegedly told him that the deceased had raped her and had been involved with his girlfriend.

Kluge allegedly became angry and made statements indicating that he intended to “take care of the children” and “bring an end to everything”.

A rape case against the deceased was reportedly opened by Kluge’s wife following the shooting.

The state opposed bail, arguing that Kluge posed a danger to himself and others. The prosecution also raised concerns about his alleged suicidal intentions, the expiry of his lease agreement and what it described as a propensity for violence and an inability to control his anger.

Six cartridges were reportedly recovered at the scene, while four projectile heads were recovered during the post-mortem examination.

Also read: Suspect arrested following fatal shooting in Van Riebeeck Park

The defence argued that Kluge had voluntarily handed himself over to police and had cooperated with the investigation. Madupela also argued that, had Kluge intended to take his own life, he had “plenty of time” to do so.

The magistrate ultimately granted Kluge bail of R20 000, subject to strict conditions. These include reporting to the nearest police station, refraining from contacting State witnesses and not leaving Gauteng without informing the investigating officer.

The matter returns to the Kempton Park Regional Court on January 20, 2027, for further investigation. Kluge remains out on bail.