VANDERBIJLPARK.- A Vanderbijlpark man who allegedly killed a man he purchased cattle from made his first appearance at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court.

Fredrick Pieter Jacobus Botha (42) is facing a charge of murder and stock theft to the value of R293000.

It is alleged that on November 29, 2021, the deceased Christiaan Van Tonder, sold 31 cattles to Botha.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) after the cattle were handed over to the accused, it is alleged that the accused asked the deceased to drive with him, using the deceased vehicle, to a remote area near Theoville plots, Barrage, to finalise the payment.

“When they arrived at the place, it is alleged that the accused shot and killed the deceased in his bakkie,” NPA provincial spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said.

“This was discovered and reported to the police the same day by the neighborhood watch, of Barrage after they found the bakkie of the deceased with his body inside.”

Following investigations by the police, Botha was arrested on 29 August 2023, and is remanded in custody.

Botha appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday charged with murder and stock theft.

The matter was postponed to Monday, September 04, for a formal bail application.