Murder-accused Marco Schalekamp made his first appearance in the Nelspruit Regional Court this morning, May 8.

The matter was postponed to allow the state to hand over docket copies to the defence. He is expected to appear in court again on June 19.

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Angelique van Niekerk, the sister of a key state witness, told Lowvelder that her brother, Arno van Niekerk, is safe.

“He is doing well. He is selling cars and is no longer in White River,” she said.

During Schalekamp’s bail hearing, Arno’s affidavit stated that he feared for his life.

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He sustained life-threatening injuries in a shooting incident that occurred near the White River Rugby Club on June 5, 2025.

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Pieter Burger was fatally shot at the scene, and Schalekamp was found in his vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds to his face and neck.

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Schalekamp was charged with murder and attempted murder. He has been released on bail following a Mpumalanga High Court appeal ruling on September 4.

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*This article has been amended after publishing