farmer Carl Christian Gutter (78) appeared in the Brandfort Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, facing charges for the alleged murder of Sonnyboy Segalo. Gutter was arrested and processed the same day by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit.
The case dates back to 29 August 2016, when police were called to Gutter’s farm near Brandfort following reports of an attack. Upon arrival, officers found four suspects detained by a group of farmers and farm workers. Segalo was among the four individuals accused of attempted robbery.
At the scene, Segalo was discovered lying face-down with a gunshot wound to his back. A firearm, allegedly belonging to the suspects, was recovered three days later near the location of the incident. Both this weapon and a firearm belonging to Gutter were submitted for ballistic testing. Segalo later died from his injuries. His three co-accused were ultimately acquitted of the attempted robbery charges.
Despite no immediate arrests in connection with Segalo’s death, an inquest into his murder was conducted by the Brandfort Magistrate’s Court starting in July 2024. In March 2025, the court ruled that Gutter should be arrested and prosecuted for Segalo’s killing.
Gutter was granted bail of R2,000, and the case has been postponed to 29 May 2025 for transfer to the Brandfort Regional Court.
