ANC man now faces two murder charges

THE ANC secretary of the ZF Mgcawu region, Zoniselo Magawu (pictured), will now face two charges of murder following the death of a friend of a DA councillor who was shot execution style outside Danielskuil last week.

DA councillor, Johannes Baatijies, was shot twice in the head and once in the heart while his body was dragged for several metres beforebeing dumped along the side of the road.

A family friend, Jeffrey Shuping Nouse, 31, was found with a gunshot wound inside the vehicle that they were travelling in on August 19.

He was treated at the Kimberley Hospital but died earlier this week.

Police spokesman, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, confirmed that the attempted murder charge would be changed to murder when Magawu returns to the Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

He did not comment on whether any more arrests were expected.

Itumeleng Nouse, yesterday stated that his younger brother, Jeffrey, never regained conscious- ness after he was shot.

“The bullet penetrated his neck and he sustained serious internal injuries. He was on life support for four days. The family is still shocked and angry about his death.”

He added that Jeffrey had a sixyear-old son who would now be cared for by his grandmother.

“Jeffrey was not employed and took care of his son, who is disabled.”

Itumeleng stated that his brother was a close friend of Baaitjies.

“He was never involved in politics. He was never angry and I never witnessed him even having an argument with anyone. He was an innocent party who died an un- necessary death.”

Kgatelopele Community Forum chairman, Norman Prince, said that they and DA members would visit the Nouse family to offer their condolences.

“The community will also hand over a petition to the senior prosecutor to insist that Magawu is not granted bail. Two families have been ruthlessly robbed of fathers, brothers and husbands.”

He urged the authorities to hunt down any accomplices.

“It is impossible for one accused to single-handedly carry out a crime of this nature.”

Prince said they had submitted Baaitjies’ death certificate to the Kgatelopele municipal manager.

“A vacancy must be declared within the next 14 days so that a date for the by-election can be set.”

He added that they expected members from the Kgatelopele Community Forum from all districts of the Province to attend Baaitjies’ funeral on Saturday.

“Transport will be provided for the mourners while the DA is assisting the family with the funeral.”

The DA held a memorial service for Baaitjies at Kuilsville Primary School yesterday.