Man in dock for allegedly shooting farm worker by mistake

Steven Hepburn (39) from Gauteng remained in custody after his first appearance in the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Monday) on a charge of murder. He is expected to apply for bail on Thursday.
Hepburn was arrested by Police yesterday (Monday) morning after allegedly shooting and killing a farm worker mistaken for a warthog during a hunting trip on Saturday night. According to Provincial Police Corporate Communication Head Motlafela Mojapelo the suspect was accompanied by a woman and hunting for warthogs on the farm Meisiesvlei outside Modimolle. “He allegedly heard movement in the grass and fired shot in the direction of the movement. When they approached the scene they found the corpse of a neighbouring farm worker, Jan Railo (23),” Mojapelo said.
He added that Hepburn immediately called the Police and his firearm was taken for ballistic examination.
Police firstly opened a case of culpable homicide but later changed the charge to murder. Investigations continue.

Story: RC Myburgh
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