State witness describes Senekal accused as violent
A state witness has described the 52-year-old Senekal man accused of attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and public violence as a violent man.
André Pienaar was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the torching of a police van and damage to a courtroom during the court appearance of two suspects who appeared in connection with the brutal murder of the 21-year-old farm manager, Brendin Horner.
Pienaar made his first court appearance on Friday.
Strict security measures and a heavy police presence were maintained at the Local Magistrate's Court.
Several streets have also been cordoned off.
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A 39-year-old suspect made his third appearance in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate's Court on Friday in connection with the apparent hit. Kinnear, who was an Anti-Gang Unit section commander, was gunned down in his car in front of his home in September. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says the suspect, Zain Killian, will remain behind bars.
State prosecutor, Johan Rootman, called police officer Tshokolo Phusholi, as his first witness in the matter in the Free State court.
Phusholi told Magistrate Buti Mlangeni that the accused threatened and throttled a female officer during the outburst of public violence.
Meanwhile, in his affidavit, the accused mentioned that he was previously convicted for theft and sentenced to three years.
The state is expected to oppose bail.
