Cape Town - A 70-year-old orchard farmer from Lutzville accused of mowing down a child for allegedly stealing fruit has been sent to prison after the State opposed his release pending a bail application.
Christoffel Johannes Stoman made his first appearance in the Vredendal Magistrate’s Court on Monday on two charges of attempted murder and a charge of reckless and negligent driving.
Stoman was arrested by Lutzville police after 6-year-old Kwezi Beukes was mowed down with a bakkie.
Billy Claasen of the Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation said the boy was walking with his mother, Magrieta Jantjies, when the incident occurred.
“The farmer drove over the child. It is claimed that he saw the child and his mother next to the road near his farm and then drove over the child.
“It is also alleged that the suspect told the police he would do it again.
“The child and his mother were taken to Vredendal Hospital and have been transferred to Paarl Hospital.
“It is confirmed that both legs of the child are broken,” Claasen said.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed Stoman’s court appearance and said the State had opposed his release.
“The farmer appeared and we are opposing bail. The case has been postponed to next Monday for a bail application.”
Claasen said they were unable to see the child in hospital yesterday but had been informed that he would undergo surgery on Wednesday.
“He will stay in custody and will appear on Monday in the Vredendal Magistrate’s Court. The State has indicated that it will oppose bail in this case. We welcome this development.
“We visited the crime scene, and there is no way that this boy could have gained access to the orchard over that fence. The suspect should answer in a court of law for this reckless behaviour.”
mahira.duval@inl.co.za
Cape Argus