The case against Martin Wessels, who is accused of fatally shooting Anton Lombard in April 2025, will remain in the Ladysmith Regional Court after the court ruled against transferring the matter to Dundee.

Wessels appeared in the Ladysmith Regional Court today (October 29), where the proceedings focused on the proposed transfer of the case, with the state and defence presenting opposing views on where the matter should be heard.

State seeks transfer to Dundee

The state opened proceedings by requesting that the case be transferred to the Dundee Regional Court.

The request was motivated by the convenience of Lombard’s family, who have to travel from Vryheid to attend court proceedings.

Defence opposes proposed transfer

The defence opposed the proposed transfer, arguing that moving the case to Dundee would not be convenient for its side. It was pointed out that witnesses in the matter are from Ladysmith and that Lombard lived and worked here in town.

The defence’s argument centred on the fact that Ladysmith remains a key location for those connected to the case, making it more practical for the proceedings to continue here.

State plans to amend charge sheet

During the proceedings, the state also indicated its intention to add further charges to the existing charge sheet. The state said it would draft a new charge sheet reflecting the additional charges.

Further details regarding the proposed amendments were not provided during the proceedings.

Case to remain in Ladysmith

After considering the arguments presented by both sides, the court ruled that the matter would remain in the Ladysmith Regional Court and would not be transferred to Dundee.

Postponed to end of November

The matter was postponed to November 26, when proceedings are expected to continue.

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