Sword killer's case postponed

2008-08-20 10:18

Johannesburg - A case of murder and three cases of attempted murder against an alleged sword killer were on Wednesday postponed in the Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court.

Morne Harmse, 18, would remain in custody until his next appearance on August 27. He would need to find a lawyer in the meantime.

Charges of conspiracy to murder and possession of a dangerous weapon against Max Brechlin, 18, were withdrawn.

Brechlin was arrested on Tuesday morning and charged with conspiracy to murder. Both youths went to the Nic Diederichs Technical High School, where the murder occurred on Monday.

Brechlin, who appeared calm and smiling, was represented by "Bul" Van Vuuren. Brechlin's mother, Christa and his grandmother, broke down in court when the charges were withdrawn against him.

Harmse cut a lonely figure in court. He stared straight ahead and did not so much as glance at the public gallery when he was sent back down to the cells.

The street outside the court were cordoned off ahead of Harmse's appearance, and there was high police visibility outside D-court.

- SAPA