Darren Govender (37) appeared briefly in the Port Shepstone District Court after businessman Brad Hughes (54) was fatally shot at a pub in Shelly Beach on February 12.
He handed himself over to police after the incident, where Hughes was shot multiple times at about 21:00.
Govender, an assistant superintendent law enforcement officer at Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM), faces three charges: premeditated murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and reckless use of a firearm in public.
The case was postponed for a formal bail application.
Govender was represented by attorney Sharlene Govender, who told the court that attorney Carl van der Merwe will be handling the bail application.
Glen Preston of Med-Evac said paramedics responded to the incident and assessed the individual (Hughes), but he was declared dead on the scene.
Nomusa Zulu, spokesperson for RNM, said they cannot engage on the merits of the case due to the sensitivity of the matter and will allow both the law and internal processes to take their due course.
Hughes will be remembered for being a friendly and kind man.
His loved ones have described him as charming, charismatic, humorous and who always loved a good laugh.
Hughes’s uncle Steve Mortinson said: “Gone too soon, but never forgotten. From the moment I met Brad as a baby, I watched him grow into an astute businessman, building a thriving swimming pool maintenance business with dedication and skill. More than that, he was a devoted father to Seth, remained great friends with Louise, and then cherished by Natasha and his sister Jeanine.”
“He was a great friend to so many. His warm spirit, hearty laugh, and sociable nature brought joy to those around him. The world is a little dimmer without him, but his memory will forever shine in our hearts. Rest in peace.”
A close friend, John Wesson, said he was friends with Hughes at Margate Primary and Port Shepstone High. He was a keen sportsman who played rugby and was a good runner.
“Brad was a loving guy and a good friend who loved his son, his dogs, gym and spending time in the Transkei. He was well-respected and liked in business and was good at what he did,” said Wesson.
Hughes’s business, Poolwize in Shelly Beach, will remain open.
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