DELMAS – The murder and attempted murder case involving Wessel Badenhorst has been postponed to January 15, 2025, and transferred to the High Court. The decision, which will provide investigators with sufficient time for further inquiries, was made during a recent appearance at the Delmas Magistrate’s Court. This follows the need to apprehend another suspect before proceedings can continue. Badenhorst, who is currently out on bail, is the head of security at Argent and faces charges of murdering Mzwakhe Hlatshwayo and attempting to murder another individual.
According to police reports, on March 22, 2024, authorities were called to a farm alongside Emergency Medical Services personnel. They found a woman with gunshot wounds and later discovered the body of Mzwakhe Hlatshwayo, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was declared deceased at the scene.
During prior court appearances, Badenhorst reportedly admitted to all previous allegations against him and stated before the Magistrate’s Court that he did not require witnesses for the charges he faces. Investigating officer Kgabo Mothupi while delivering his testimony during a bail application, painted a picture of who Badenhorst really is, bringing to light other cases against him involving the victimization of black individuals
Nthabiseng Nhlapho, a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), shared her reaction to the postponement with Highveld Chronicle. “I am happy because, no matter how long the court case takes, the investigation has revealed that Mzwakhe Hlatshwayo wasn’t killed by one person. The case may take time, but what’s important is getting the killers behind bars,” she said.
The deceased’s brother, Sboniseni Hlatshwayo, also expressed concerns about the impact of the delays on his family. “The rescheduling of dates really costs us as a family because we have to travel from Nelspruit to Delmas for every hearing. We are pleading with the government to assist us with transport so that we can continue attending the court proceedings,” he said.
