Johannesburg - A 21-year-old man has appeared in court for the murder of his 25-year-old brother following a shooting at a popular Fourways nightclub.
The man, Zaakir Pelwan, turned himself in to the police early on Tuesday after allegedly fleeing from the club in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Pelwan is facing four charges of attempted murder, and one for the murder of his brother, who died while trying to defuse the shooting spree.
He was released on bail of R10 000 by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
According to Douglasdale police spokesman Warrant Officer Balan Muthan, a man and two women had been visiting the Tiger Tiger nightclub on Saturday night.
But, after midnight, the man apparently lost his female companions and went outside to the parking lot to look for them.
The two women had allegedly been talking with Pelwan and his brother, and an argument ensued.
As the fight raged on, the man was stabbed in the hand, allegedly by Pelwan, and he ran to the club’s security guards for help.
When the guards returned to confront the Pelwan brothers, Zaakir allegedly produced a firearm and opened fire.
The head of security for Tiger Tiger, Charles Ramazani, took a bullet to the abdomen, a second guard was hit in the ankle, and a Fidelity shopping centre guard was shot in the arm.
Muthan said the suspect’s brother tried to stop him, and ended up taking a bullet himself.
After the shooting, the gunman fled the scene, leaving his brother mortally wounded, and two others in critical condition.
Two days later Pelwan, accompanied by his lawyer, turned himself in at Douglasdale police station.
As Pelwan made his appearance, eight relatives and friends sat in the public gallery.
Pelwan, who is employed by his father and who lives with his parents, did not put his version of events before the court. He was also not asked to enter a plea.
The State did not oppose his bail application. As part of his bail conditions, Pelwan must report to Parkview police station every Saturday.
The Star