Farmer's case struck off roll

2008-11-10 19:05

Pretoria - A murder and attempted murder case against a Delareyville farmer has been temporarily struck off the roll, North West police said on Monday.

"The matter was temporarily withdrawn [in the Delareyville Magistrate's Court] today [Monday] because the court was awaiting a decision from the public prosecutor so the matter has been taken off the court roll," said police spokesperson Adele Myburgh.

Jaco Swart, 26, was arrested in May after two men trespassed on his farm.

Swart shot and killed one of his attackers while he shot another, injuring him in the chest.

The injured robber was subsequently arrested.

AfriForum welcomed the news.

Head of Community Safety of AfriForum Nantes Kelder said the court's decision to strike the matter off the roll was confirmation that Swart had been arrested unjustly as he had been the victim.

"There is no doubt that Swart was merely defending himself against unwelcome intruders on his property.

"In the light of the high number of farm murders, Swart's action was justified," said Kelder in a statement. He added that Swart's arrest had been politically motivated and that "no legal grounds existed for any action against Swart".

- SAPA