Update
GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The testimonies of the five accused in the Heila Kilian (63) murder case were concluded on Tuesday morning, 28 September, before the case was postponed by Judge Lister Nuku to Thursday, 30 September, for final points of argument.
Of the five accused - Sakhumzi Benya, Nkoshihethu Nocuza, Msomi Nikani, Monwabisi Maki and Xolusani Myoyi - only Benya, Nikani and Maki decided to testify in the case.
All of them vehemently denied having anything to do with Kilian's murder or having any knowledge of the events that occurred on the night of the murder on the farm, Gazania, near Stilbaai on 16 April 2018.
During proceedings last week, the legal representative of accused number five, Myoyi, brought an application of discharge on behalf of his client, saying there was not enough evidence to keep Myoyi in custody. The state opposed the application, saying that Myoyi could well be the one who fired the shot that killed Kilian. The application was subsequently denied by Judge Nuku.
The five murder accused before court proceedings started last week.
Kilian was shot and killed while she was braaiing with her sister Brenda and brother-in-law David Thomas during a visit to the farm. One of the suspects who was carrying a firearm shot Kilian.
The accused, who were arrested in Cape Town shortly after the murder, face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, the unlawful possession of a firearm and the unlawful possession of ammunition.
They have all pleaded not guilty to all charges against them.
They allegedly ransacked the house and fled in a white Toyota Hilux bakkie that belonged to the Thomases, taking an undisclosed amount of cash and firearms.
Kilian was shot through the heart. Her family members were tied up and beaten during an ordeal that lasted for up to two hours.
The case was placed on the court roll until 1 October and judgment will probably take place in December.
Four of the accused photographed after court proceedings on Wednesday morning. Photos: Kristy Kolberg
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