Man 'wanted baby dead'
2006-02-24 21:28
Johannesburg - A man and his alleged accomplice appeared in the East London magistrate's court on Friday for allegedly orchestrating an attack on the man's girlfriend which led to the death of their unborn baby.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Superintendent Miranda Mills said David Best, 27, and Ludwe Masumpa, 24, were remanded to March 3.
The two, and another man who has turned state witness, were arrested on Thursday morning, 10 days after the attack.
It is believed that Best, an IT specialist, was arrested after he was discharged from hospital where he was being treated for a gunshot wound to the chest.
Wanted the baby killed
"He was shot on Valentine's Day when he allegedly tried to reason with a hijacker not to harm his pregnant girlfriend.
"Everyone called him a hero after he managed to drive his girlfriend who was also shot, to the hospital, where their baby died," said Mills.
However an investigation into the hijacking and the arrest on Thursday morning of two men led to Best's arrest later the same day.
"The second man arrested gave police important information which led to the arrest of Best," said Mills.
"The allegation is that Best conspired with these two men to have the baby killed. At this stage we don't know whether he wanted his girlfriend killed as well."
Police recovered a 9mm pistol and a wristwatch - identified as Best's - from one of the arrested men.
Best and Masumpa have been charged with murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Best's girlfriend, Melissa Shelver, 23, was in a stable condition in hospital.
- SAPA