Spur Assault: Father speaks out
"There are just too many questions and not enough answers when it comes to the death of my son." That is how Bradley du Preez's father, Hermon, and his grandfather, Roeloff van der Walt, explained their feelings.
ALBERTON – Hermon and Roeloff visited the RECORD’s offices on Monday, June 30 to talk about the investigation and the events prior to Bradley’s death at the Little Eagle Spur on Sunday, June 22.
“Bradley was scared. He phoned my girlfriend, Dina on Saturday and asked if he could come and visit and stay with us. I was not with her over the weekend, and I find it very strange because they did not have a close relationship. He also requested that Dina pick him up from the garage close to where he lives and not at home.
“Dina told me that during his stay there he did make mention of money that he had to pay somebody, which he said he did. She also said Bradley told her that it is no longer about the money, it is not a case of principle. I have no idea what that means, but I just know something else is going on here. He told Dina please not to tell me nor his grandfather about the fact that he owed somebody money and what he told her.
“The same happened when she took him home on Sunday. Bradley again asked her not to drop him off at the place where he lives, but she insisted. He then told her it is all right then but that if she sees somebody close to where he lives, that she must just please drive past,” Hermon told the RECORD.
Bradley’s father is also very concerned about the fact that the murder charges against the accused were lessened to culpable homicide. “Yes, Bradley had a heart problem, but it was not life threatening. He was active and fit. He used to get onto his BMX and ride about 20 km to visit a girl and then back home again. He assisted me, fitting large equipment and climbing scaffolding. I want to know why they changed those charges. It just doesn’t make sense.”
Roeloff told the RECORD that they are not angry. “We just want justice to be served and from where we stand, nothing makes sense. There are too many questions, too many loose ends.”
Hermon and Roeloff are pleading with anyone in the Spur that evening who witnessed anything to please contact them. Hermon 079 836 5027 or Mrs Van der Walt (Bradley’s grandmother) 072 908 1100.
Bradley’s funeral will take place tomorrow, June 1 at 12:00 at Alberton Christian Fellowship Church, 81 Phantom Street, corner Petersfield, Alberante.
