Murder-accused lawyer says farmers need guns

FARMERS needed guns to protect themselves as farm murders occurred almost every day.

This was stated by defence attorney Jeff Moyo in the Brits Magistrate’s Court yesterday while arguing for bail for his client‚ murder-accused Matthew Benson.

Benson faces a charge of murder and attempted murder linked to the disappearance of Tebogo Ndlovu, who was allegedly shot by Benson while stealing oranges at the accused’s parents’ farm on August 2.

Ndlovu was with two friends at the time and had pointed Benson out as the shooter.

“Farmers need to protect themselves. They need these guns because every day farmers are being killed in the farms‚” said Moyo.

Twenty-four-year-old arrested on August 16.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and told police he never fired a shot on the day in question. Benson was

But the state believes it has a strong case against him after a neighbouring farmer informed police he was called by Benson saying he had spotted criminals in their yard.

On arrival‚ the neighbouring farmer told police he found Benson in possession of a 9mm pistol.

During investigation four firearms belonging to Benson’s father were taken for ballistic testing and from that collection‚ a 9mm was linked to three cartridges found at the farm.

The accused’s attorney said Benson was in possession of a pellet gun that looked like a 9mm. He stated the pellet gun could not cause severe injuries.

Prosecutor Cassius Mono opposed Benson’s bail application‚ indicating the accused was a flight risk‚ might interfere with witnesses and that his release could fuel public outrage.

Magistrate Jethro Masime said the court would deliver judgment on the bail application on September 29.

The accused will remain at the Mooinooi police station until his next appearance. — DDC