Former cop in court for murder of farm worker
The former police officer accused of murdering a missing farm worker has appeared in court for the second time and has been remanded in custody.
Hendrik Johannes Visagie, who was employed as a farm manager at Schoonspruit Farm in Waterval Boven (Emgwenya), appeared yesterday (May 8) at the Waterval Boven Magistrates’ Court facing charges of murder, defeating the course of justice and possession of firearms and ammunition, where he chose not to apply for bail and the case was postponed until June 5 for investigation.
It was previously reported by the Middelburg Observer that Visagie was arrested for the murder of a missing farm worker, 32-year-old West Michael Nkosi, who was last seen alive in the presence of Visagie.
According to the media spokesperson of the Waterval Boven SAPS, Sergeant Mandla Nxumalo, Visagie was arrested on April 25 after handing himself over to the Station Commander.
Nkosi had been reported as missing since April 22 by his mother, who Visagie still drove to the police station. Nkosi had allegedly gone missing on April 20 at 17:30, after last being seen on the farm with Visagie.
Sgt Nxumalo said that a three-day search had ensued, during which the investigating officer visited the farm each day. It is alleged that Visagie pretended to not know of Nkosi’s whereabouts.
He, however, called the station commander that Thursday, where he admitted to the murder and proceeded to point out where he had hidden Nkosi’s remains as well as two hunting rifles.
It is further alleged that Visagie then told police of how he and Nkosi had shot a Springbok, after which they drove to Badplaas to sell the meat for R500.
The money was then allegedly used to buy alcohol for the two of them.
It was further allegedly stated that Nkosi then wanted to confess to the owner of the farm that they had hunted his game, which led to an argument.
The two returned to the farm, where Visagie allegedly shot Nkosi and proceeded to load his body into the farm vehicle before hiding it elsewhere in some bushes.
In a statement issued by Sgt Nxumalo, Visagie faces two previous convictions, one of which occurred in 2001 to which he paid an admission of guilt of R200, as well as a conviction of pointing a firearm and assault GBH, to which he paid a fine of R6 000.
During his recent court appearance, a large crowd of protesters gathered outside the court to express support for the Nkosi family, as well as demand that bail not be granted to the accused.
