The trial of a man accused for the murder of an Eersterust resident will start next week.
Mark Booysen will appear before the Pretoria High Court from Monday next week for the alleged murder of Dean Jafta and for an assassination that took place in September 2017.
Booysen, with two other accused, previously appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 20 November 2018, where the case was postponed to 24 January.
During the January appearance, it was revealed that the one weapon had been used to commit another murder.
The case was again postponed to 11 March.
On 11 March, it was decided that Booysen would stand trial alone for the two murders.
ALSO READ: Eersterust drug bust nets gold bar worth R100 000
The combined court case will take place from 3 to 14 June from 08:00.
“We hope that justice will be served next week,” said Dean’s father, Denzil.
He said the community was welcome to join them in support.
Denzil also thanked residents who had supported his family.
“We really appreciate it so much,” he said.
Dean was shot and killed in Johannesburg more than two years ago.
He was reported missing in May 2017. His bullet-riddled body was found later the same month.
However, his family only learned of his murder in November last year as police had been unable to establish his identity.
Since this discovery, two memorial services have been held for Dean, followed by his funeral on 17 November.
ALSO READ: NEWSFLASH: Two die in Eersterust collision
Heartbroken residents gathered on those days to say goodbye to Dean in their own way.
Despite the delay in receiving the news of his son’s death, Denzil said he was happy for some closure about where his son was.
He previously said his son’s body was not only found with six bullet wounds but he had been “badly assaulted” as well.
Jafta was apparently on his way to meet a friend when he disappeared.
Four men have since been arrested and are currently going through court proceedings related to his murder.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Sam Shibambo said a murder docket was opened at the Eersterust police station.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
