The murder case of Benoni businessman Nardus Blokland (55) has been moved from the Roossenekal Periodical Court in Limpopo to the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court in the same province.

Speaking on behalf of the Blokland family, IRS Forensic Investigations investigator Chad Thomas, who was appointed on a watching brief in the criminal investigation and prosecution of the matter, says the case was again presented before the court on Monday.

“An application was made for the case to be moved to Groblersdal and was unopposed,” explains Thomas.

“The case will next be heard on June 7. It is hoped that by this time, the police investigation is complete, and a trial date can be set.”

According to Thomas, because some of the forensic reports were outstanding, a trial date could not be set.

The accused, Sean Swart, has not yet pleaded and remains out on bail of R15 000.

Blokland died on November 4, 2022, at the Highside Tavern in Tonteldoos, Limpopo. The tavern is owned by Swart – who is also from Benoni.

According to eyewitnesses, Blokland and the suspect’s brother-in-law were showing each other martial arts moves at a party when the brother-in-law, who had recently undergone a hip replacement, fell.

Swart, who witnessed the exchange from a distance, allegedly hit Blokland before storming back into the pub and emerging with a wooden bar stool to continue with the assault.

Blokland is believed to have died of head and chest injuries.

“This horrific event has left the family devastated, but through emotional support from friends, the family and the community [they] are coping,” says Thomas.

“Eric Bryer, the attorney for the family, and I will continue to follow the case through the watching brief to ensure justice prevails.”