The trial of a Northern Cape farmer accused of shooting dead two friends at his home has started in the Springbok High Court, with the accused denying the murder charges while admitting to illegal possession of ammunition.
Jaco Dawid Malan Claasens (61) faces two counts of murder and one firearms charge stemming from a shooting incident at his Vioolsdrift residence in the early hours of 31 October 2023. The victims, Coenraad Edward de Beer and James Kriel, both died from gunshot wounds to the abdomen the following day at Mediclinic Upington.
According to state prosecutors, the two victims were friends of Claasens who, along with other companions, had stopped over at his home while travelling to a holiday destination. Both victims were allegedly shot inside the accused’s house during what the state claims was a premeditated attack.
De Beer succumbed to injuries caused by gunshot wounds resulting in blood loss, hypovolemic shock and multi-organ failure. Kriel died from gunshot wounds that led to multiple necrosis, fasciitis and sepsis.
The prosecution alleges the murders were planned in advance, with Senior Advocates Adele Van Heerden and Quinton Hollander leading the state’s case before the Northern Cape Division of the High Court sitting as the Namaqualand Circuit Court.
During police investigations, officers discovered 247 Beretta shotgun cartridges at Claasens’s property – exceeding the legal limit of 200 rounds. While the farmer was licensed to possess the firearm linked to the ammunition, the excess quantity constitutes a criminal offence under the Firearms Control Act.
At the opening of proceedings, Claasens pleaded not guilty to both murder charges but admitted guilt to the ammunition possession charge. The state has begun presenting evidence, with the first witness being the son of one of the deceased victims who was present at the farm when the shooting occurred.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about firearm-related violence in rural South African communities, where disputes can sometimes escalate with tragic consequences. The prosecution faces the challenge of proving premeditation in what appears to have been an incident between acquaintances.
Proceedings continue in the Springbok courthouse as the state builds its case against the Vioolsdrift farmer. The charges carry potential life sentences if Claasens is found guilty of the murder counts.
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