Mbombela deputy traffic chief in court for murder

NELSPRUIT- The Mpumalanga deputy traffic chief accused of shooting and killing a woman appeared once more in the district court on Friday.

The matter was postponed by the state for further investigation until November 12.

Mr Johan Heunis (57) had previously pleaded not guilty to shooting dead Michelle Curgenven, (36) in Nelspruit on July 4.

Yet on the charge sheet the police stated they had received a statement from him where he admitted to shooting Curgenven.

The document also stated that he also had a previous offence from 28 years ago for possession of uncut diamonds.

Prosecutor Brian Mogale also previously stated in court that the accused had threatened to commit suicide when police wanted to arrest him.

Mpumalanga police spokesman Colonel Leonard Hlathi said Curgenven, who worked for the Mbombela municipality as an administration clerk, was shot dead in her home in Nelspruit’s Steiltes area around 19:00.

Police were only later notified and arrived at the scene early the next morning at 02:00.

“The woman was shot in her garage inside her Landrover Freelander. They found her body in the drivers seat. Upon arrival, police were met by the suspect in full uniform. He was aggressive, threatening to commit suicide should the police try to arrest him,” he said.

Police negotiated with Heunis while he held a 9mm under his chin until 4.30am, when he surrendered.

Heunis is out on R20 000 bail.