A forensic pathologist has testified in the murder trial of three men who stand accused of the murders of two elderly people in January 2015 in the Bainsvlei area. Testifying as a State witness in the Free State High Court, Dr Onthatile Balatseng gave evidence of the injuries and wounds the victims suffered during their ordeal in their house in Bainsvlei.
Toon Swanepoel, 72, and his wife, Rienie, 70, were overpowered, robbed and killed on 11 January 2015 when they arrived home after attending a church service during the morning. The men, Fana Ntshedi, Motsamai Bitterbos and Jackie Louw, face two charges of murder and kidnapping, robbery with aggravated circumstances, house breaking and two firearm and ammunition related charges.
Free State prosecutor, Amanda Bester, also called the investigator in the case, Warrant Officer Cobus Coetsee, to testify. Coetsee testified on aspects of the chain of evidence that were questioned by the defence of one of the men. He told the court that all evidence, even DNA samples that were taken, were handled properly despite being questioned. The court adjourned the matter to Wednesday when the State will call another witness. –andreg@centralmediagroup.co.za
André Grobler/Bloemfontein Courant
