A security guard named Wessel Badenhorst, aged 55, has been apprehended by police in Mpumalanga on charges of murder and attempted murder. Badenhorst appeared in court before the Delmas District Court on Monday, with the case adjourned until April 3 for a formal bail hearing.
Colonel Donald Mdhluli confirmed that Badenhorst remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on a farm in Delmas on Friday around 11 pm. Law enforcement and emergency medical services responded to a call and discovered a woman with gunshot wounds at the scene. Additionally, they found Badenhorst, armed, and two vehicles, one of which had its windshield pierced by bullets.
The other vehicle belonged to Badenhorst, while the woman informed authorities that she had arrived at the farm with a male friend, whose whereabouts were unknown at the time.
Mdhluli expressed concern over the bullet-riddled vehicle belonging to the missing man and the spent cartridges discovered nearby.
A search ensued, leading to the discovery of the missing man’s body, bearing multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services confirmed his death at the scene. The female victim identified the deceased as her missing friend.
The police initiated a murder investigation, with an additional charge of attempted murder, leading to Badenhorst’s arrest after preliminary inquiries. His firearm was seized for further examination.
Mdhluli indicated the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses, citing the unknown motive behind the shooting.
Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela condemned the incident, particularly emphasizing the involvement of a security guard in the shootings. She commended the swift arrest of the suspect and expressed hope for justice for the victims.
