Man hands himself over to police after allegedly fatally shooting “litchi thief”
A 45-year-old man briefly appeared in court yesterday after handing himself over to the police after allegedly fatally shooting a young man on a litchi farm near KaMhlushwa on Thursday.
TONGA – A man was charged with murder, attempted murder and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm after he allegedly shot the 18-year old Anele Ziko and attacked his two friends on Disa Estates near KaMhlushwa on Thursday.
According to police information, Sarel du Plessis, accompanied by farm employees, came across the trio at the farm and allegedly accused them of stealing litchis.
Du Plessis then allegedly shot and killed Ziko. One of Ziko’s companions was assaulted and sustained serious injuries and narrowly missed being shot. The third man managed to escape unharmed.
Capt Magonseni Nkosi of Tonga SAPS stated that the farm employees with Du Plessis allegedly did not take part in the assault.
The victims reported the attack and police launched an investigation.
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Du Plessis arrived at the Tonga Police Station yesterday with his attorney and handed himself over.
He briefly appeared in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court nearby and was remanded in custody.
His formal bail application will be heard in the same court tomorrow.
