OAKDENE – A Family member was arrested on Tuesday, September 8, for the murder of Odette Barkhuizen, who was shot dead on June 11, at her business premises in Oakdene.
The suspect was interviewed for over three hours by Paul O’Sullivan, a forensic consultant, and members of Moffatview Police Station, and subsequently arrested. He is the only suspect.
On Tuesday afternoon, Pamela Immelman, Odette’s mother, phoned the COURIER asking for help in trying to locate Warwick Barkhuizen (23), one of Odette’s son’s, who was missing.
Warrick was with the family member at the time of his arrest.
“He’s disabled and in a wheelchair. As soon as we found out there had been an arrest, we went to the house to fetch him, as we knew he’d be alone. We were shocked to see he was gone,” said Pamela.
After trying to establish his whereabouts, the following day the suspect’s lawyer confirmed Warwick was in a place of safety.
“The lawyer apparently knows where he is, but says he isn’t in a position to inform us until the accused gives him authorisation to do so. Now we play the waiting game,” said Pamela.
On Thursday, the suspect appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court. The accused briefly appeared alone, saying his lawyer was bringing in an advocate and asked for an extension until the same afternoon. After another brief appearance later the same day, the case has been postponed until Wednesday September 16 for a formal bail application.
