Murder-accused’s families fear retaliation

Update

GEORGE NEWS - The families of the murder-accused Breyton-John McCullum (18), Marshaan Claasen (21) and Lethan May (19) say they live in fear of gang-related retaliation.

This follows the murder of Kehanno Noordman (20) from Pacaltsdorp.

Noordman sustained several stab wounds during an attack at a nightclub on Saturday 25 April and died in hospital the following day.

All three accused were released on bail last week after it came to light that the exact cause of Noordman's death couldn't be confirmed in the pathology report. The report, placed on record by the State, indicated that Noordman had not only sustained multiple stab wounds during the attack, but had also suffered from meningitis.

Had it not been for the fact that Noordman was sick, the ruling might have been different.

All three accused face a Schedule 6 murder charge.

The State opposed bail, saying the accused pose a danger to society, that threats have allegedly been made against their lives and that the weapons used to kill Noordman indicated intent.

McCullum was granted bail of R2 000 and Claasen and May each R1 000. They will return to court on 8 July.

Family living in fear

Despite the accused being granted bail, their family members say they are living in fear, claiming they have been subjected to intimidation and threats in the weeks surrounding the incident and court proceedings.

According to a family member of one of the accused, an incident occurred on the day that Noordman died when their residence and vehicles were allegedly targeted.

They claim stones and sharp objects were used during the incident, resulting in property damage. These allegations have not been tested in court.

They further claim that threats were received in the days leading up to the murder, and that police intervention was required to ensure their safety. They also claim that the intimidation continued during the time of Noordman's funeral.

The family members have also rejected suggestions that the three young accused men are linked to gang structures.

According to the families, they have reported the matter to the police.

It is important to note that all three accused remain before court on murder charges, and that they have not been found guilty. All parties are entitled to the presumption of innocence until the judicial process has been concluded.

This Fiat Uno's back window was allegedly broken during an attack on the accused's family members' property.