Pub owner faces another charge

Rohan Bekker (left) and Peter Watson (right) appeared in the Barkly West Magistrate's Court. Photo: Supplied

Rohan Bekker (left) and Peter Watson (right) appeared in the Barkly West Magistrate's Court. Photo: Supplied

Published Oct 2, 2014

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Barkly West - The owner of Rietgat Pub in Barkly West on Wednesday appeared in the town’s Magistrate’s Court on another charge of attempted murder… barely more than a month after allegedly trying to kill another man.

This time he allegedly pushed a man from the Vaal River bridge.

The latest incident happened on Tuesday afternoon and Rohan Bekker, 28, who on Wednesday appeared in the Barkly West Magistrate’s Court with a co-accused, Peter Watson, 34, will remain in custody.

Watson was granted bail of R1 000.

Police spokeswoman, Lieutenant Andrea Cloete, said that it was alleged that Bothata John Daniels, 34, went to look for a friend at the Rietgat Resort on Tuesday afternoon at around 4.30pm and was told to speak to the owner of the pub (Bekker).

“Bekker apparently became racially abusive towards Daniels. Bekker and a friend, Watson, then allegedly shoved the complainant into the back of a bakkie and drove off. The complainant alleges that he was taken to a place where they bound his hands with cable ties,” Cloete said.

“The two suspects then drove to the Vaal River bridge, where they untied the complainant. Daniels was then pushed off the bridge. The suspects apparently drove off while Daniels managed to swim to safety.

A passing police vehicle spotted Daniels walking along the R31 and stopped to see if he was OK. A shaken and injured Daniels explained to police what had happened. He was taken to the hospital in Barkly West for treatment to injuries sustained to his head and shoulders.”

The suspects were arrested and charged with attempted murder. Watson was on Wednesday released on R1 000 bail while Bekker will remain in police custody. The case was postponed to Monday.

This is the second attempted murder charge against Bekker.

In August he was charged with attempted murder after allegedly tying up and assaulting Koos Essel.

Essel was found near the entrance of Rietgat Pub, also on the banks of the Vaal River, the morning after the incident by workers who heard his screams.

His hands and feet were bound with cable ties and he was shoved inside a canvas bag. He sustained serious head injuries.

Bekker, together with his co-accused in this matter, Gideon Jacobs, 25, were arrested and charged with attempted murder and kidnapping shortly after the incident. They were granted bail of R500 each on September 22 and the case is still ongoing.

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