Hendrik Johannes Visagie was arrested on April 25 by the Waterval Boven SAPS in connection with the murder of Vusi Michael Nkosi.
Both Visagie and Nkosi were employees at the Schoonspruit Farm at the time.

According to the media spokesperson of the Waterval Boven Police Station, Sergeant Mandla Nxumalo, Visagie’s arrest followed the disappearance of Nkosi on April 20. Visagie went as far as to drive Nkosi’s own mother to the station to report his disappearance.

A three-day search for Nkosi ensued, including a search of the farm itself, during which Visagie denied knowing his whereabouts.

On the fourth day into the search, Visagie then handed himself over to the station commander, where he confessed to poaching a Springbok on the farm and driving through to Badplaas with Nkosi to sell the meat for R500.

Nkosi then wanted to confess to the farm owner about the poaching incident, leading to an argument that resulted in Visagie shooting Nkosi with a hunting rifle.

The police then returned to the farm where Nkosi’s remains and two hunting rifles were pointed out by Visagie, which had been hidden in bushes.

Nxumalo confirmed that Visagie appeared in the Belfast Regional Court on Monday, where he was sentenced on charges of murder, defeating the course of justice and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

On count one of murder, Visagie was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment; on count two of defeating the course of justice, Visagie was sentenced to three years imprisonment; on count three of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, Visagie was sentenced to five years imprisonment.

Counts one and two shall be served concurrently. Visagie was also deemed unfit to possess a firearm.

“We as the SAPS shall continue to carry out our mandate of preventing and investigating all crimes without fear or favour. We hope and believe this sentence will send a clear message to the community,” Nxumalo concluded.