Kotzé: Cops out in full force at court
2012-02-10 08:11
Polokwane - Police, media and protesters are expected to converge at the Modimolle Magistrate's Court on Friday morning ahead of the court appearance of Johan Kotzé, who is accused of orchestrating the gang-rape of his estranged wife and the murder of her son.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said police would ensure order at the hearing.
"We will mobilise public order policing... [and] we appeal to the public to behave themselves during the proceedings," he said on Thursday.
Certain sections of the courthouse would be cordoned off, and only journalists with press cards would be allowed inside.
Charges
Kotzé faces 17 charges including rape, murder, conspiracy to rape, kidnapping and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. On January 3 he allegedly ordered his three workers at gunpoint to gang-rape Ina Bonnette and mutilate her body with objects including nails, pliers, a grinder, and a screwdriver.
He is further alleged to have shot dead her 19-year-old son, Conrad Bonnette, who was lured to the house, as he pleaded for his life while Bonnette lay tied up in another room.
Friends of Bonnette, 42, will be at the courthouse on Friday, wearing pink, but will not go inside.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said there was a possibility of a bail application for some of the accused.
"And if so the State will be ready to proceed."
Kotzé was arrested after being on the run for eight days. His three co-accused - Mmapuru Peter Mohlako, 34, Andries Paparona Sithole, 42, and Sello Frans Mphaka, 38 - were arrested within days of each other.
They had apparently been hired to remove palm trees from the garden of Kotzé's rented home.
Bonnette had taken a restraining order out on Kotzé when the relationship soured.
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- SAPA
