Martin Wessels appeared in court on Monday (September 28) in connection with the fatal shooting of Anton Lombard at the Hauser Park Sports Bar, also known as The Shute, in the Egerton area.

The latest development is that the matter has been set down for a pre-trial conference on October 29, 2026. The pre-trial process will deal with outstanding matters and assist in preparing the case for trial.

Fatal shooting at The Shute

Wessels is accused of fatally shooting Lombard in April 2025. The incident took place at The Shute, where Lombard sustained a fatal gunshot wound.

Wessels was granted bail of R5000 in May 2025 and has remained out on bail while the case continues.

Murder charge

In July 2026, prosecutors confirmed that Wessels would face a murder charge after a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions that the case would proceed.

The decision followed several postponements.

Defence claims self-defence

During earlier court proceedings, the defence presented video evidence and argued that Wessels acted in self-defence. Wessels told the court that he believed Lombard was armed with a knife and that his firearm discharged during a struggle in the parking area.

Case continues

The matter will return to court on October 29 for the pre-trial proceedings.

Wessels remains an accused person and has not been convicted.

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