Second suspect in club murder arrested

16 June 2010, 09:02
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Man killed in nightclub brawl

By HANTI OTTO Court Reporter

A second suspect was arrested on Monday in connection with the Drop Zone Nightclub murder at the weekend.

His co-accused, Kelvin Shaun Brown, 25, of Magalieskruin, who was arrested on Sunday, will bring a bail application next week.

The two are accused of murdering Augustus Steenkamp after an argument at the nightclub.

Appearing in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court, State prosecutor Sipho Letsoalo asked for a postponement so that an identity parade could be conducted, the accused's criminal profile checked and his address verified. He added that it would also allow for the arrest of an outstanding suspect.

Although the defence argued that two days would be enough time for that, magistrate Bheki Ntshingila disagreed, saying he doubted if the normal seven-day postponement would be enough, and postponed the case to next week.

The second suspect was arrested by late Monday. It was expected that he would appear in court later this week.

The arrests came after Steenkamp, 21, died during a brawl at the Drop Zone Nightclub on Hatfield Square early on Saturday.

He was allegedly kicked and beaten to death outside the club hours after watching the World Cup opening match with his family.

According to earlier reports, Steenkamp and his brother, Ferdie, were at the club when four men began arguing with them. The six, continuing the argument, moved outside to the top of the stairs at the entrance of the club, where Steenkamp was apparently kicked down the stairs and fell and hit his head on the pavement.

Witnesses allegedly told police that before the young man was kicked down the stairs, one of the attackers picked up Steenkamp's apparently lifeless body and punched him several times before the group fled.

The Steenkamp family's attorney, Hannes Botha, earlier said: "Augustus and Ferdie, who hardly get to see each other, were at the club for a night out when the argument started and they were attacked.

"It is difficult to say what happened as the details around the events leading up to the altercation are sketchy. They definitely did not start the argument."

Police spokeswoman Aveline Hardaker said Steenkamp died at the scene, adding that it was believed he died when his head hit the pavement.

This article was originally published on page 4 of The Pretoria News on June 16, 2010

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Comments by Sonny

Another 'Bouncer' cover-up on the cards!

We don't need steroid freaks in our society!

Why is there no CCTV coverage in and around the club?

It should be made mandatory!

These 'Chimps' should get the Death Sentence, when convicted!