THE family of the Bluff man who was bludgeoned to death at a local drive-through fast food outlet in the early hours of Sunday morning, 9 October, have spoken out following the release of the two men arrested for his death on bail.
The family feel aggrieved by the outcome of the initial court appearance of the two accused, aged 16 and 25 years. However their grief has been buffeted by the outpouring of support in the wake of Gerhardus Petrus Benade’s untimely death.
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Described as a kind, loving and sociable ‘people’s person’ by his family, Gertjie as he was fondly known, left a mark on the people he loved. “He was the spirit of every family gathering. He was loved by all who met him, and always had a warm and loving smile. He tried to help people and was willing to be a helping hand to family and friends,” said family spokesman, Charmaine Jeremiah.
The 27-year-old loved the ocean, especially diving.
“His good sense of humour, friendliness and warm approach towards others made him one-of-a-kind. The family is saddened by the brutal way his life was taken. His character speaks for itself, which was evidenced by a bystander’s account of how he went to apologise for upsetting fellow patrons at the outlet (after the initial verbal altercation with another patron),” she added.
Gertjie’s tragic death sent shockwaves through the community but nothing could prepare the family. Jeremiah said it is a trying time for the family, and Gertijie will be sadly missed by all who knew him. “We also ask the public to respect the family’s wishes to mourn the death of a loved one in peace,” she added.
Gertjie’s death followed a verbal fight when he was attacked with a car jack and badly beaten outside a Bluff food outlet drive-through. Thanks to some good Samaritans, he was rushed to a nearby hospital but sadly died due to the extent of his injuries. Five people allegedly linked to the attack were later traced through the registration of the vehicle they were in, which was visible in a video clip recorded by a witness.
The group was traced and they reported to Brighton Beach police station early Sunday evening where they were held for questioning. Two men, aged 16 and 25, were charged on Monday, 10 October for premeditated murder. The pair appeared in court the following day. Because of his age, the 16-year-old was released into the custody of his parents while the 25-year-old was released on R5,000 bail. They are due back in court on Tuesday, 13 January.
The court was packed with family, friends and witnesses. Donning shirts printed with the message ‘RIP Gertjie’, they showed an united front during the hearing. Immense support followed via social media in a group called ‘Justice for Gertjie‘, as many have shared messages of condolences and memories of the 27-year-old.
Family, friends and witnesses donning shirts printed with the message ‘RIP Gertjie
The bail hearing however, left Gertjie’s family highly disappointed. “We feel more stringent bail conditions could have been imposed on the accused. We feel our justice system needs to revisit the decision to let an accused out on bail with no limitations. It is wrong and unfair that the accused can freely roam the streets and enjoy his freedom while we as a family must lay a loved one to rest,” said Jeremiah.
The family appeals to the courts to reconsider bail conditions for such a violent attack which led to Gertjie’s death. “We will be present at every court hearing and we will not give up. We just hope and pray justice will prevail,” said an emphatic Jeremiah.
Gertjie will be laid to rest on Wednesday, 19 October at 2pm at Elim Church, Bluff.
The family thanks the public for all the warmhearted messages of support which have been shared during this difficult time. Gertjie will be laid to rest on Wednesday, 19 October at 2pm at Elim Church, Bluff.
SAPS Brighton Beach management thanks all the witnesses who have come forward and made statements, including the individual who made the video clip available, which was instrumental in the success of the investigation.
“We thank the media for the support provided during the preliminary investigation. Detective Warrant Officer Gerhard Grobler is commended for his perseverance in solving the murder within 12 hours of its occurrence and recovering the murder weapon,” said Brighton Beach communication officer, Capt Louise Le Roux.
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