Biker killed at local pub

POLOKWANE – What started as an argument at a club in the early hours of Saturday morning ended with one man dead and another behind bars.

According to the police report, two men were in an argument that ensued when one of the men, Justin de Freitas, was leaving the Soetdorings Country Club. Westenburg police spokesperson, Capt Mohlaka Mashiane, said the argument became heated and one of the men, a 42-year-old man, allegedly took out a knife and stabbed De Freitas in the chest.

De Freitas died at the scene and the 42-year-old man was arrested for murder, Mashiane said

According to a resident who wished to remain anonymous, but was at the club on the evening of the incident, the suspect had a confrontation with De Freitas earlier, and it was believed that the later altercation between the men came from this first argument.

The owner of the club, Peet Kruger, told Review he was not willing to give any comment regarding the incident as he was not at the club when the incident occured.

He would only give comment once he had seen the police report, Kruger said.

De Freitas’ cousin, Gilbert Sampson, spoke to Review about De Freitas and requested that the family be given time to deal with the loss.

Sampson said De Freitas was 33-years-old, and the best father there could ever be.

Besides being a good cousin as well, he was also a good friend, Sampson said. “One of the things I will remember about Justin was that he could see the humour in the smallest thing and that he was the most honourable man you could ever meet,” he said.

“There are no words that can really explain who he was.

He lived his life to the full, loving every moment and he adored his wife and his children. We will miss him so much.” he said.

De Freitas’ daughter, Loudene, said her father was a man who was disciplined and taught her to be the same. “He was wise and did not mind sharing his wisdom.”

Vicky, De Freitas’ wife, said her husband was someone who could play as hard as he worked and he never missed the opportunity to do so. She said she was not with her husband when the fight occurred but spoke to him during the evening and was on her way to him when she received a call about the stabbing.

“We would like to thank everyone for even the smallest contribution at this time. The smallest thing means so much and we would like to thank you all for carrying us in this time. He was well loved and because of him our lives are richer,” she said.

The suspect appeared before the Polokwane magistrate’s court yesterday (Monday) and was remanded in custody. He will appear again within seven days for a formal bail application.

According to his wife a memorial service will be held for De Freitas on Friday at 14:00 at the Soetdorings Country Club.

De Freitas was a member of the Red Devils bikers club. The club did not want to comment at this stage. Bikers will gather at Martin’s Funerals and have a mass ride from there to the club for the service.