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THE murder trial of the man accused of bludgeoning to death Strand resident Bles de Koker, in September 2006, commenced in the Cape High Court this week. Mr De Koker (53) was found murdered in the bedroom of his house in Jameson Street, Strand on September 2, while his wife, Marelise was in George on a school sports tour with her children.

Police discovered the body, after a witness who was offered a laptop computer for R600 and Isuzu double cab for only R500, went to the Somerset West Police Station to report possibly stolen goods. Their investigation led the police to a couple who were trying to sell some jewellery in Somerset West and ended at the murder scene in Strand.

A 25-year-old prostitute, Melanie Groenewald and her friend, Henry Goliath, were subsequently charged with the murder, housebreaking and theft.

Plea bargain
On Thursday last week, Groenewald, after reaching a plea bargain with the State, was convicted on a lesser charge of housebreaking and theft and sentenced to five years imprisonment - on condition that she testify against Goliath at the trial which commenced in the Cape High Court on Monday.

In earlier testimony she alleged that Mr De Koker was a 'client' and that he was bludgeoned to death by her boyfriend, after he had refused to pay her the full amount of R150 they had agreed on, and had only paid her R50. She also testified that she was angry and decided to return to his home to steal his belongings.

The deceased's widow, who had identified the body, the police photographer and Groenewald were the first witnesses who were called to testify on the first day of the trial.

The trial stood down on Tuesday and was to resume on Wednesday, with the cross examination of Groenewald.

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