Two appear for murder, fraud

Published Jul 28, 2014

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Johannesburg - Two women appeared briefly in the Pretoria North Magistrate's Court on Monday on a charge of fraud and murder related to a travel scam.

Renette Wright appeared with Salome Klopper while Renette's husband Hendrick Jacobus Wright was not present as he was in hospital.

The matter was postponed to August 4 for a bail application and to allow the husband time to recuperate and be fit for trial.

The three are accused of defrauding Adriaan Petrus Johnson of R26 000. Johnson allegedly paid the money to a company owned by the Wrights selling holiday packages.

Klopper was said to be a receptionist and secretary.

They were arrested on July 24 in Sinoville, Pretoria. A police officer, Warrant Officer Ben Strydom, 47, was shot dead during a raid at their house while trying to arrest the husband.

According to police, when Hendrick Wright saw police, he tried to escape through another door of the house but Strydom caught him.

He allegedly drew a firearm and shot the policeman before fleeing.

While travelling on the Moloto Road, he stopped his car and shot and wounded himself. He has been in the Intensive Care Unit of the Steve Biko Academic Hospital.

Magistrate Pierre Wessels read a doctor's report that said it was not known when he would be released from hospital.

“If accused three is released before the set date, he must appear before court,” he said.

Sapa

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