Murder accused on the run, family pleads for justice

Update

GEORGE NEWS - A grieving family is losing faith in the justice system after the man accused of murdering their brother and son disappeared while awaiting judgment.

Kelly Brown, a Malawian national in his 40s, is now a fugitive after failing to appear in court. According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, a warrant of arrest was issued for Brown on 19 February 2024.

"His last appearance in the George Magistrate's Court was on 22 September 2022, when he was released and warned to return at a later date," said Spies.

Brown was first arrested in August 2021 following the brutal murder of Heinrich Barnard. According to Barnard's sister, Beverly Barnard, her brother was hacked to death with a panga, suffering 93 lacerations across his body.

Brown was arrested at the scene and initially taken into custody. However, he was released on his first appearance in court as the investigation was still outstanding and the case was not on the court roll.

He was warned to appear in court on a later date. Instead, he chose to flee and was only found a year later in Great Brak River when he was arrested on an assault charge. Despite his history of evasion, Brown was once again released on a warning and attended court proceedings until judgment day.

"I guess when he realised that the minimum sentence for my brother's murder would be 20 years if found guilty, he decided to stop showing up," said Beverly.

Brown has been missing since. The investigating officer has exhausted all efforts to track him down, and Interpol is now involved. He has been flagged at all border posts, airports, and key travel points.

The family, emotionally and psychologically drained, is desperate for justice. According to them, Brown initially confessed to the murder but was held in a police cell for only one day before being released.

"The magistrate in the case ultimately dismissed the matter as if it were a minor mugging or robbery," says Beverly.

Barnard's gold teeth which were reportedly glued into his mouth, were missing after his death, and his wallet was never found.

A source close to the investigation alleges that Brown has fled to Malawi. Sergeant Nathan Buys, the investigating officer, urges the public to come forward with any information that could lead to Brown's arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to contact George Detectives on 044 803 4715 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

A media enquiry has been sent to the National Prosecuting Authority. When feedback is received, it will be added to the article.

The deceased, Heinrich Barnard