Killers drank with victim

2003-12-15 21:33

Jeanne-Marie Versluis

Bloemfontein - Two men, arrested for the murder of a Bloemfontein doctor, were allegedly picked up near the zoo and driven to his townhouse on the night of the attack.

Dr Human van Staden, 25, from Langenhoven Park, was apparently beaten to death with a rock and a broomstick.

A 20-year-old unemployed man and a 22-year-old cabinet-maker were arrested on Monday at the Bloemfontein station, said police spokesperson captain Elsa Gerber.

A third man, believed to be one of the suspects' brother-in-law, was also arrested on Monday in connection with the crime. He allegedly helped drive stolen goods away from the doctor's residence.

Inspector Hennie Bosman, investigating officer, said the two suspects were going to board a train to Cape Town when they were arrested.

They were in possession of a number of Van Staden's goods, which were allegedly stolen from his home, said Bosman.

Goods seized included a TV, a car radio and a home entertainment system.

Bosman said it is believed that Van Staden picked up the two strangers on Thursday night near the zoo. The trio then apparently stopped to buy alcohol before going to Van Staden's townhouse.

Bosman said there were indications that drugs and alcohol were consumed at Van Staden's house.

He said that DNA samples were taken to determine whether sexual relations had occurred. The tests have been carried out, but the result have not been released, he said.

Van Staden died of head injuries.

All three suspects are to appear in the Bloemfontein magistrate's court on Wednesday.

- Volksblad