The Evander Magistrate’s Court is expected to make a judgment today, Tuesday 20 February 2024 on whether the two men, Hermanus De Laray (52), a farm owner and William Underhay (40), who is a farm manager will be granted bail or not.
The two male suspects were arrested by the Police at Evander following the disappearance of two victims (both aged 30), who went missing at a certain farm near Leslie on 19 May 2023.
It is said that a group of five men went hunting at a certain farm during the night of the said date (19 May 2023). The five men were somehow spotted inside the farm and shots were allegedly fired. Three managed to escape out of the farm unharmed meanwhile the other two were never seen again by their fellows.
An enquiry for two Missing Persons was opened for investigation. The team of men and women in Blue worked tirelessly and gathered some crucial information and certain individuals were identified as people that may assist with some clues that would help in solving the case.
These people were able to provide valuable details in relation to the investigation.
It then came to light that two suspects, De Laray and Underhay were somehow entangled in a shooting of the two missing victims who could have possibly died. Police are of the view that the suspects could have then somehow disposed their bodies somewhere else, far away from the farm.
Up to so far, the investigation by the Police indicates that some crucial evidence were collected on the crime scene which are more convincing to the investigators who believe that a tragedy possibly befell the two victims.
On 18 January 2024, the two suspects were traced and arrested then appeared in court.
On 01 February 2024 they appeared for a formal bail application but they were reminded in custody. The case was postponed to 07 February 2024. Again they were remanded in custody hence they are applying for bail today.
The two are facing serious charges, including murder and defeating the ends of Justice. More charges could possibly be added against them as the investigation continues.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has emphasized that the team of experts in the investigation field, assembled under her leadership has so far displayed professionalism as they managed to make some serious progress. “We are definitely opposing bail and we hope that justice will be served for the victims,” said the General.
