Father accidentally shoots son after mistaking him for a thief

The tragic series of events began two weeks ago, after an alarm was triggered at the Stephano Park plot in Vanderbijlpark, reports Vaal Weekblad.

Coert Sr, 51, who works for Anglo Platinum, along with Asec Security Company, made their way to an unoccupied house on the plot to investigate.

Coert Sr waited while the guard walked through the house.

They saw a man that tried to escape through the ceiling and warned him to climb down. Coert Sr, who was standing outside, saw the man escape through the roof and fired shots in his direction. The alleged intruder then collapsed on the roof, and died.

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When the body of the man was being removed, Coert Sr was shocked after discovering that he had shot his own son.

According to Vanderbijlpark police spokesperson Gertrude Makhale, Coert Sr was arrested that same evening, March 22.

He appeared in the magistrate’s court on March 25, and was released on R1,000 bail.

Makhale confirmed that 30-year-old Coert Jr was released by Vanderbijlpark police earlier that day, after he was arrested on drug-related charges. A bag with jewellery that was stolen from the house was found near him after Coert Jr’s death.

David Mey, Coert Sr’s lawyer, told Vaal Weekblad that the whole experience was very traumatising for his client. More information on the case cannot be made available yet, as it is sub-judice.

Coert Sr is expected to appear in court on April 12.

A memorial service was held for Coert Jr on March 27.

This article was translated from Afrikaans by Nica Schreuder. 

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