There was a bit of confusion in the Kempton Park Magistrate Court after the appearance of Anton Bouwer on February 16.
This was after a man sitting in the public gallery was suspected to have allegedly handed ‘something’ to Bouwer while patting him on the back as he was led to the holding cells.
The man, apparently not known to the family, looked visibly emotional throughout the court case. He stood up first when the magistrate adjourned the matter and left the courtroom.
Police officers were instructed to search for the man to establish what he was doing.
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A few minutes later the investigation officer, Pleasure Mufamadi, shared with the media that the man was questioned and disclosed that he did not give anything to Bouwer.
He further told Mofumadi that he was a friend of Bouwer.
Bouwer was apparently searched and nothing was found on him.
Case postponed
Bouwer’s murder case was postponed to March 5 for a formal bail application. His bail application was to get underway, however, his defence team was not ready to proceed as they shared they received new information they needed to look into.
Bouwer was arrested on January 22 after he allegedly went on a shooting spree, killing his parents Robert (78) and Bettie (73) at their Bredell home.
He also allegedly shot and killed his stepdaughter Natasha (23) and domestic worker Elizabeth Gozwana (56) at a home in Fairleads, Benoni.
He also allegedly shot his wife, Adélle (43). She was airlifted to the hospital.
Bouwer turned the gun on himself at the Fairleads home but survived and was hospitalised.
On the day of the shootings, SAPS provincial spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said Bouwer’s parents arrived at their home in Bredell at about 11:30 and found their son on the property.
It is alleged he fatally shot his parents. The suspect then arrived at a home in Fairleads just after midday, where he allegedly carried out the other shootings before attempting to kill himself.
Also Read: Bouwer case: ‘Exhibits’ are missing from crime scenes
