The murder case of Rynfield businessman Nardus Blokland (55) was transferred to the Groblersdal Regional Court, following a brief appearance of the accused, Sean Swart, on June 7.
Acting on behalf of the Blokland family on a watching brief, Chad Thomas of IRS Forensic Investigations told the City Times, that Swart has not yet been asked to plead and remains out on bail.
Sittings for this case were moved from the Roossenekal Periodical Court, Limpopo, to the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on March 27, after an unopposed application was submitted.
Blokland died on November 4 at the Highside Tavern in Tonteldoos, Mpumalanga, owned by the suspect, also from Benoni.
The victim and his wife Alison, along with several of Swart’s friends and family, had gathered at the venue in celebration of the accused’s 40th birthday on November 5.
According to eyewitnesses, Swart allegedly assaulted Blokland using a wooden bar stool after a friendly bout of play-fighting between the victim and Swart’s brother-in-law, who had recently undergone a hip replacement, which led to him falling.
Swart, who witnessed the exchange from a distance, initially hit Blokland before storming back into the pub and emerging with a stool.
Blokland is believed to have died of head and chest injuries.
Swart is expected to appear in court again on July 17.
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