WITNESSES AT RISK ’ IN FARMERS ’ CASE
THE state prosecution has expressed concern for its witnesses who are expected to testify against seven men accused of torturing and killing two farm labourers at a farm in Parys earlier this year.
Prosecutor Gideon Mashamaite read a statement prepared by Warrant Officer Gert van der Merwe, who is among 10 police officers investigating the case.
Van der Merwe feared that their witnesses would be victimised and threatened by Wian van der Westhuizen, 20, and Johannes Oosthuizen, 44, should they be granted bail.
The two were arrested two weeks ago and police feared that since they were working at a farm together with 15 of their witnesses, they could easily interfere with the case.
Mashamaite said they had a strong case against the accused and they would likely secure a conviction during the trial.
Colonel Deon Topkin, who heads the investigation team, said they were on track with their investigations as they were earlier instructed by Magistrate Lashnee Pillay that April 15 would be their final postpone- ment. Pillay has since recused herself from the case after the state complained numerous times about her behaviour and being biased in the case.
She has been replaced by Magistrate Ronnie Mnguni.
Topkin said Van der Westhuizen’s brother, Daniel, could be linked to the case.
“On March 9, I got a call from one of the witnesses complaining about intimidation and threats and a statement was obtained from that witness. The witness said on March 7 at 7am, all workers were taken to Willem van der Westhuizen’s house at a golf estate in Parys, Free State, because he wanted to interview all workers who had been interviewed by police. They travelled in a truck driven by Daniel,” Topkin said.
He testified that Willem asked if police had threatened, assaulted and promised them money to give statements. He was allegedly also prepared to pay them R2 000 if they identified those who were interviewed by police. The offer was later increased to R5 000.
“Witnesses are afraid and have requested us not to expose their identities. I don’t believe that he [Willem] will guarantee their safety, and as soon as their identities are known it would be worse for them,” Topkin said.
The bail hearing continues.