Blokland murder case postponed

The matter was postponed due to a shortage of available magistrates and prosecutors

January 20, 2023

Jani de Beer 1 minute read

Outside the Roossenekal Periodocal Court in Limpopo on January 16 are Eric Bryer (left, attorney), Chad Thomas (IRS Forensic Investigations), Brendun Blokland, Marcel Blokland, Alison Blokland (widow) and Danie du Preez.

The court case against Sean Swart for the alleged murder of Rynfield businessman Nardus Blokland (55) last year has been postponed to March 27 and will be heard at the Roossenekal Periodical Court, Limpopo.

Blokland was allegedly killed on November 4 at the Highside Tavern in Tonteldoos, Mpumalanga, which is owned by Swart.

An invitation to celebrate Swart’s 40th birthday brought Blokland and his wife, Alison, to Tonteldoos on that day.

According to eyewitnesses, Nardus and Swart’s brother-in-law were showing each other some martial arts moves during the party when the brother-in-law, who had recently undergone a hip replacement, fell.

Swart, who had witnessed the exchange from a distance, then allegedly hit Blokland before storming back into the pub, emerging with a wooden bar stool.

Swart allegedly then hit Blokland with the chair. He is believed to have died of head and chest injuries.

Following his second appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on November 9, Swart was released on R15 000 bail.

Chad Thomas, an investigator from IRS Forensic Investigations, confirmed he attended court with the family on January 16, on a watching brief about the criminal investigation being undertaken by the authorities and prosecuted by the NPA.

“The family and accused were present at the Roossenekal Periodical Court waiting for a magistrate and prosecutor from Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court,” said Thomas

“Due to a shortage of magistrates and prosecutors in Groblersdal, a telephonic conference was held between the prosecutor and defence team. It was decided to postpone the case in absentia.

A photo of Nardus and Alison Blokland taken in Dullstroom on their way to Tonteldoos, mere hours before his murder.

“We were advised that there are outstanding issues regarding the docket that need to be finalised, including the forensic and autopsy reports, as well as statements. Thus, the two-month postponement.”

Thomas said friends and family are doing their utmost to ensure that the judicial process is followed.