Road rage murder suspect appears in court

The man (44) who allegedly shot and killed a motorcyclist, Douglas Pearce (39) on the morning of Valentine’s Day, is to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates Court today 17 February.

The incident took place at approximately 7am on Malibongwe Drive on 14 February.

Pearce was travelling on his orange Kawasaki Ninja ZX10 in the direction of Randpark Ridge when an altercation broke out between him and the suspect who was travelling in a Chevrolet Sonic. Both men pulled over and stopped on the yellow line between Witkoppen Road and Boundary Way.

It is alleged that Pearce hit the driver of the Chevrolet. Both men had their firearms pulled, Pearce a 9mm pistol and the motorist (a lawyer) a revolver.
According to eyewitnesses Pearce was walking back to his motorcycle when the motorist discharged three shots, two hitting Pearce in the stomach and one in the arm. One bullet allegedly went right through his body.

According to Lieutenant-Colonel Katlego Mogale both the firearms were sent for ballistic tests.

The motorist was taken to be treated for head wounds under police guard while Pearce was declared dead on the scene, apparently having bled to death.

The suspect will be charged with murder.

To read the complete story, see this week’s edition of the Record.