No evidence, so suspects walk

2005-02-25 19:28

Johannesburg - Seven suspects arrested in connection with a Muldersdrift murder and kidnapping were released after extensive questioning, police said on Friday.

"After thorough investigation, no positive evidence could be found to link the suspects to the scene of the crime," said police Superintendent Milica Bezuidenhout.

They were arrested after Coenie Pretorius, 36, was shot dead and his wife Petro, 34, seriously wounded when they surprised a gang of armed men robbing the man's parents at their Muldersdrift home on Wednesday night.

Earlier that night, Coenie's brother, Jurie, and Eugene Pienaar and his wife Elsie were kidnapped as they were locking the gates of the local church after a service. They were forced into their car and forced to drive to their home in Muldersdrift.

Upon their arrival at the house, Coenie and Petro were warned by the security guard that there were armed men inside.

While trying to drive off, Coenie collided with a tree which alerted the kidnappers who ran out and fired several shots before fleeing.

Coenie died from bullet wounds to the chest and his wife was in a critical condition after being shot in the lower back.

The seven suspects were arrested after a 9mm pistol and jewellery were found in their possession.

Bezuidenhout said the firearm found on one of the men was licensed in his name and the jewellery was not identified by the family of the victims.

"The investigating officer is working on other information and has tasked his informers accordingly," she said.

- SAPA