PRETORIA – The man accused of shooting and killing a member of the Mac’s Motorcycle Club outside a pub in Waterkloof Ridge, and wounding another man, made a brief court appearance on Tuesday, 20 October.

Brian Smith (45), a member of the Crusaders Motorcycle Club, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court for the second time today (Tuesday, 20 October) on charges of murder and attempted murder.

Smith is accused of firing a shot outside the Little Britain pub on the evening of Saturday, 10 October, which claimed the life of Baden Watson (54) and left a fellow Mac’s member, Ruan van der Merwe, in critical condition in the hospital.

The accused handed himself over to the authorities shortly after the incident and made his first court appearance on Tuesday, 13 October.

The shooting has placed Pretoria’s motorcycle community under an uncomfortable spotlight, with various allegations being traded between supporters of the two clubs. Due to a dispute between the two motorcycle clubs that has persisted for about 18 months, relations were already strained before the fatal incident.

The pub itself has issued several statements, including the announcement of an immediate policy change prohibiting all motorcycle club insignia on the premises.

Whether Smith’s bail will be granted will depend on various factors outlined in the Criminal Procedure Act, including the risk of flight, prior convictions, the strength of the State’s case, and whether there are any concerns regarding the intimidation of witnesses or public safety.

The broader police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing.

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