Update

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The testimonies of the five accused in the Heila Kilian (63) murder case were concluded on Tuesday morning, 28 September before the case was postponed by Judge Lister Nuku to today, Thursday 30 September, for final heads of argument.

Out of the five accused, Sakhumzi Benya, Nkoshihethu Nocuza, Msomi Nikani, Monwabisi Maki and Xolusani Myoyi, only Benya, Nikani and Maki decided to testify in the case.

All of them vehemently denied having anything to do with Kilian's murder or having any knowledge of the events that occurred on the night of the murder, 16 April 2018, on the farm Gazania near Stilbaai.

Kilian was shot through the heart and died while she was braaiing with her sister Brenda and brother-in-law David Thomas during a visit to the farm. Her family members were tied up and beaten during an ordeal that lasted for up to two hours. 

The perpetrators allegedly ransacked the house and fled in a white Toyota Hilux bakkie that belonged to the Thomases, taking an undisclosed amount of cash and firearms.

During proceedings last week, the legal representative of accused number five, Myoyi, brought an application of discharge on behalf of his client, saying there was not enough evidence to keep Myoyi in custody. 

The five murder accused before court proceedings started last week. Photo: Kristy Kolberg

The state opposed the application saying that Myoyi could well be the one who fired the shot that killed Kilian. The application was denied by Judge Nuku.

The accused, who were arrested in Cape Town shortly after the murder, face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, the unlawful possession of a firearm and the unlawful possession of ammunition. They have all pleaded not guilty on all charges against them.

The case was placed on the court roll until 1 October and judgement will in all possibility take place in December.

Heila Kilian

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