DELMAS – The formal bail application for Wessel Badenhorst (55) has been postponed to April 09, 2024. Badenhorst, a security guard, was arrested on charges of murder of Mzwakhe Hlatshwayo, and attempted murder. According to the police on March 22, 2024, they were called, along with Emergency Medical Services personnel, to a certain farm where they found a woman with gunshot wounds. Subsequently, they discovered the body of a male individual, identified as Hlatshwayo, with multiple gunshot wounds, deceased. Public figures and political leaders came out in support of Hlatshwayo and demanded justice. Diikgetse ‘’Slash’’ Sepenyane, the SANCO Mpumalanga Deputy Chairperson, expressed outrage at the racial nature of the crime. ‘’We are deeply ashamed to witness this barbaric act, which continues to occur in our country, perpetrated by individuals who discriminate based on skin colour.
The same white man under arrest allegedly subjected other women to horrific abuse, including burning them with a battery shocker in their private parts, and reportedly shot another person who managed to escape to Groenfontein. This individual does not belong among law-abiding citizens; he deserves to be incarcerated,’’ he stated speaking on behalf of the ANC. Khaya Segone, leader of Our Last Hope, shared his sentiments with the publication.
‘’There was no justification for the white man to take the life of the black man, as the latter posed no threat to Badenhorst. Instead, he chose to use lethal force. The family is distraught, but we are determined to seek justice. This incident highlights the lack of regard for black lives by certain individuals,’’ he expressed.
Eva Makhabane, a provincial executive committee member of the African National Congress (ANC), commented on the postponement of the bail application. ‘’This is the second time they have postponed this court case, and today we witnessed disruptions. Nevertheless, we remain confident that justice will prevail. The accused must be held accountable, bringing closure to the family,’’ she remarked.
Solly Mabaso, a family friend of the deceased, voiced his concerns about the court proceedings. ‘’Firstly, the Delmas Magistrate Court does not treat black people seriously. How is it that the accused, a white person, was allowed to attend court wearing shorts, while others are denied entry for wearing inappropriate attire? Wessel’s wife and children have already begun packing their belongings to relocate elsewhere. It seems they keep postponing court dates in hopes of his release, so he can join his family wherever they’re moving. This police force is too focused on money,’’ he emphasized.
The late Hlatshwayo, a scholar transport driver, was described by his mother and employer as a skilled driver, a devoted father to his children, and the main provider for his family.
