Road rage murder accused in court
SANDI KWON HOO SANDI.KWONHOO@ACM.CO.ZA
A MURDER accused in an apparent road rage incident that involved fighting, multiple stabbings, gunshots and a person being run over by a bakkie, intends to apply for bail, after his co-accused was denied bail in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
The accused, Edwin Williamson and Darryl Williamson, are facing charges of murder and attempted murder.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police in Roodepan arrested a 25-yearold and a 33-year-old suspect for allegedly fatally stabbing one person and assaulting two other men in Roodepan on January 27.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased and his friend were involved in an altercation with the suspects on the Midlands road in Roodepan, which was as a result of a road rage incident,” said Sam.
“The suspects subsequently followed the victims while they were driving in a white Volkswagen Polo. They caught up with them in Melia Street in Roodepan, where the driver of the Polo was allegedly shot at and assaulted.”
He is still in hospital after he underwent surgery on Wednesday.
Sam added that the deceased was assaulted after he got out of the vehicle and was running down the street.
His funeral will be held this weekend.
Sam said a third person who tried to intervene was also stabbed and was transported to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital for medical treatment.
“The police are investigating the circumstances that led to the incident. The possibility of further arrests cannot be excluded,” said Sam.
The police have requested the public to contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Samuel Modise, on 082 495 4626/071 675 4427 or 08600 10111 or to SMS anonymously to 32211 or use the MYSAPS app if they have any information pertaining to the incident.
“All information received will be treated confidentially,” Sam stated.
Magistrate Maimane Booi yesterday noted the seriousness of the charges and the violent nature of the offences, which saw a 31-year-old complainant and the deceased run into the home of a family member after they were chased by their attackers.
“The complainant was stabbed in the back and front of his body. It is unclear how many times the deceased was stabbed. While trying to escape, the deceased was run over by a vehicle. Paramedics declared him dead on the scene.”
Booi indicated that if found guilty, the accused could face a sentence of life imprisonment.
“The actions of the accused were barbaric and Roodepan is well-known for gang-related activities and there is a need to safeguard the community.”
She pointed out that the incident involved a group of people.
“There are many witnesses involved in this matter. If released on bail, the accused may resort to extreme measures to identify the witnesses and intimidate them.”
She acknowledged that while Darryl Willamson was the breadwinner who financially supported his three children, aged two, four and six years old, he was not their primary caregiver.
“He has no previous convictions. However, his personal circumstances do not amount to exceptional circumstances.”
The legal representative for the accused, Gary Botha, requested that co-accused Edwin Williamson’s bail application be heard in a different court.