Terblanche brothers’ trial date set in assault case
They will appear in court in October for the alleged mutilation of a young man's face at Bahati in 2013.
WHITE RIVER – Brothers, Mr Werner and Mr Shaun Terblanche of J&M Security, will appear in court on assault charges in October. Mr Brian Barnard’s (22) face was mutilated to such an extent that he lost half of his nose, during an incident at a bar in 2013.
Barnard alleged that it was a J&M Security official who was responsible for the incident that took place on November 15 that year. Werner and Shaun has since appointed criminal-law specialist, Mr Coert Jordaan as their legal representative.
Lowvelder previously relayed Barnard’s version of events. It was around 20:00 when he was having a conversation with a fellow patron. What Barnard didn’t know, was that this person was a suspect in a farm-attack case. The White River SAPS and members of J&M Security arrived on the scene, reportedly to apprehend the suspect. When Barnard and those seated at his table were ordered to lie on the ground, Barnard protested as the men ordering them to do so were dressed in civilian clothing.
Read more on the alleged assault: Nightmares for young man after alleged assault
According to eyewitnesses, a J&M Security official reacted by assaulting him with the butt of a firearm. Barnard reportedly recognised the man who allegedly assaulted him on a photograph, which was presented to the police. Barnard received hard blows to his face before the wanted man apparently yelled “the boy had nothing to do with it”. Both Barnard and the suspect were taken outside for questioning. Barnard was dismissed by the police after the suspect made an admission.
A bleeding Barnard was rushed to hospital as his nose was badly damaged. His cousin recovered a piece of his nose in the bar’s parking area after the attack. He has since undergone various operations and received treatment for post traumatic stress disorder.
When the police finally arrested the Terblanche brothers eight months after the alleged incident, the case was further delayed as it had to be referred to the director of public prosecution, who decided that the case will continue. According to Mr Johnny Terblanche of J&M, the White River Magistrate’s Court enrolled the case for October 19 and 20.
