Two men charged with murder of Matlhomola Moshoeu at Rietvlei farm near Coligny have pleaded not guilty to charges brought against them at the North West High Court in Mafikeng.
The accused men, Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte who are currently out on R5000 bail, are facing seven charges including murder; assault; kidnapping; intimidation; unlawful possession of ammunition; unlawful possession of a firearm and pointing of a firearm.
The accused stated in their plea that they did not unlawfully and intentionally kill Moshoeu by throwing him out of a moving vehicle. They said Moshoeu volunteered to get into the back of the van after they caught him stealing the sunflower on their farm. They said Moshoeu then jumped out of their moving vehicle as they were on their way to hand him over to the police at Coligny Police Station.
Meanwhile an eyewitness said Moshoeu who died on the way to hospital was thrown out of a moving vehicle.
A specialist forensic pathologist; Dr Ruweida Moorad testified that Moshoeu’s injuries were consistent with a fall or jump from a vehicle but there were no signs that he tried to protect himself when he fell.
The deceased had 23 different injuries. His right eye was swollen, which could have been as a result of an assault. No injuries were documented to the hands, which is a sign that protective mechanisms were not employed when he fell. Moshoeu might have not anticipated the fall. The injuries show that this was more a fall than a jump.
The court is expected to call 21 witnesses to testify in the trial including one eyewitness who is under police protection.
Moshoeu’s death triggered violent unrests in Coligny which led to distruction of houses and businesses.
During Moshoeu’s funeral, North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo told residents that Moshoeu’s death not only affected the Province but the country as a whole.
The trial is expected to continue until end of April.