Man arrested for killing farm worker allowed to travel to Pretoria
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has voiced its disappointment after police allowed a man, who allegedly shot and killed a farm worker, to travel to Pretoria before taking him into custody.
The NPA's Makhali Thenga says she was informed by the local prosecutor.
"The police, instead of arresting him when he was there, allowed him to travel to Pretoria and then go back. I don't know what sort of procedure that is, because that is totally wrong," Thenga says.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says it's because a case of culpable homicide had initially been opened.
"When they allowed him to go, they planned on summoning him to court. When the facts started coming to light, the case was then changed to murder and the suspect had to be arrested," Mojapelo explains.
Stefan Hepburn, who lives in Pretoria, made his first appearance in the Modimolle Magistrate's Court today.
The 39 year-old is said to have been hunting warthogs in Tuinplaas in Limpopo at the time of the shooting.
The case has been postponed until Thursday.
Hepburn remains in custody.
The NPA says it will oppose bail.