UNIONDALE NEWS - A farmer and his son from Uniondale, who were charged last week for assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm, appeared in the Uniondale Magistrate's Court yesterday, 31 January, for their bail applications. At the time of going to press, the outcome of the application was not yet available.
Martinus Christoffel Loock (54) and his son, Joseph Johannes Loock (24), have been in custody since their first appearance in court last Wednesday, 24 January. The son was being kept at Mossel Bay Correctional Services as he is younger than 25 years, and the father was incarcerated in Uniondale.
This follows an incident on Tuesday 23 January, where a farm worker, Johan Plaatjies (38), was allegedly assaulted by both men in a shed on the fruit farm where he works.
Plaatjies claims that the incident originated from a verbal confrontation regarding weekend working hours, whereas others claim that he threatened one of the men with sheep shears, which fuelled a bloody fight.
Counter case
Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority, confirmed that a counter case has been made against Plaatjies. "This matter is not currently on the court roll as further investigation has to take place," said Ntabazalila.
Previous cases
Ntabazalila confirmed previous cases against Martinus Loock, among them an attempted murder case from 2019, of which the matter is pending in the Uniondale Regional Court. Among the other cases are two of assault (2006 and 2007) with a payment of R150 for admission of guilt, and a crimen injuria case (2006) with a payment of R150 for admission of guilt. Three cases of assault were withdrawn (two in 2012 and 2021).
Eye operation
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies last week said it is alleged that the three men had an argument before the assault.
"The victim sustained injuries to the head and was taken to hospital for medical care," he said.
Plaatjies was discharged from hospital last Thursday, 25 January, but will have to undergo an eye operation at Groote Schuur in Cape Town. "They broke one of the bones under my eye," said Plaatjies.
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