Kruger granted bail in Barberton Court
A sobbing and exhausted Martie appeared in the Barberton Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
BARBERTON – The case against Martie Susan Kruger (47), who allegedly shot and killed her husband, Hennie Kruger, was postponed to June 9 for further investigation. Hennie was shot dead in his home on Monday afternoon.
A sobbing and exhausted Martie appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. She was supported by friends and family. She was granted bail of R5 000. Her next court appearance will be in the Malalane Periodical Court on June 9.
The court proceedings had to be adjourned twice as Magistrate Phindile Mlotshwa and Martie’s defence lawyer, Adv Johann de Necker had a disagreement.
The first adjournment occurred after De Necker told the court why his client should be granted bail. Mlothswa demanded that De Necker should draft an affidavit and state the reasons. She had a brief discussion with De Necker before they entered the court again.
The second came when Mlotshwa demanded that De Necker produce a brief. “The court says this matter must be stepped down. Tell your instruction attorney that I need a brief,” Mlotshwa said. De Necker questioned this. Mlotshwa added she wouldn’t argue with him and advised him to do research. De Necker agreed and asked the court for another adjournment. He looked furious as he walked out of the court.
When the court reconvened, De Necker said his client was not a flight risk and should be granted bail. He said she had lived at the same residential address in Malalane for the past 19 years and had worked as an insurance broker for 20. He also argued that she should be granted bail as she wanted to supervise her two children.
Prosecutor Rendani Thengani didn’t object to the bail application and Mlotshwa finally granted it. “The court grants you bail of R5 000 on condition that you hand over your travelling passport to the investigating officer. On June 9, you are expected to return to Malalane Periodical Court. If you don’t, the state will withdraw your bail and forfeit your bail fee,” said Mlotshwa.
Outside the court, soon after Martie has been granted bail, her family became violent. Two young men believed to be her sons threatened to assault this reporter for taking her photo. The incensed relatives whisked her away to protect her.
