OFF THE WIRE.
Three members of a Margate bikers club are to appear in the Ramsgate Magistrate’s Court today for a bail hearing on charges relating to an alleged racial killing on the south coast.
Petrus Opperman, 46, Jakes Nicholas Putter, 33, and Douw Christian van der Walt, 33, are charged with assaulting and killing Lwandile Mampofu, 26, at Margate’s Lighthouse Club in the early hours of last Sunday morning after a dispute over cigarettes.
The state alleges that Mampofu had an argument with Opperman over cigarettes and was later beaten by a group of men in the club.
Post-mortem results showed that Mampofu died as a result of a head fracture and also had a dislocated jaw. Police were expected to make further arrests after witnesses told them that Mampofu was beaten by more than three people.
“We have not made any further arrests. As of now it is only the three men who are facing the charge of murder,” said Capt Gerald Mfeka.
The killing has caused an outrage on the south coast. A march and a demonstration is expected to take place today at the Ramsgate court during the appearance of the three.
Mampofu will be laid to rest on Saturday in Flagstaff, in the Eastern Cape.
His sister, Nana, said her family had suffered a great loss.
“He was so young and we were expecting so much from him. His two young children will now be left without a father. What saddens us most is that he tried to run away from his attackers but they pursued him with bikes and killed him,” said Nana.
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http://www.thenewage.co.za/26559-1010-53-Biker_club_men_apply_for_bail
