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18:29 10 Feb 12
A pupil writes a message on a wall of remembrance outside the Nic Diederichs Technical High School. Sapa
Sword attack case postponed
Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:00
A matric pupil who allegedly killed a fellow schoolboy with a sword
and injured three other people had his case postponed in the
Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
Morne Harmse (18), would remain in custody until his next appearance
on 27 August. He faced a charge of murder and three of attempted
murder.
Magistrate Christa Breedt told Harmse to find a lawyer in the
meantime.
Charges of conspiracy to murder and possession of a dangerous weapon
against Max Brechlin (18), were withdrawn.
Brechlin was arrested on Tuesday morning and charged with conspiracy
to murder. Both youths went to the Nic Diederichs Technical High
School, where the murder occurred on Monday.
According to the Sowetan newspaper, Brechlin was arrested after
police discovered a video showing the teenagers dressed as ninjas and
brandishing Samurai swords.
Police Captain Jacob Raboroko however denied that there
was video footage.
"I am not aware of any video. Maybe the investigating officer will
have knowledge. At this stage I also do not know why charges were
withdrawn against Brechlin," he said.
It was also alleged that Harmse and five of his friends had plotted
a massacre at the school, the Sowetan reported.
Brechlin, who appeared calm and smiling in court, was represented by
"Bul" van Vuuren. Brechlin's mother, Christa and his grandmother, broke
down in court when the charges against him were withdrawn.
Wearing brown jacket with a red lining, Brechlin scanned the room
for friends and relatives and acknowledged their presence with a nod.
He waved to his mother who sat next to his petite, frail-looking
grandmother.
Harmse cut a lonely figure in court. He looked small for an
18-year-old, wore a navy jacket and carried a blue plastic bag. He
stared straight ahead and did not so much as glance at the public
gallery when he was sent back down to the cells.
Outside the court, Max's father Horst told journalists he was
relieved the charges were withdrawn. He said the first thing he would
do when he returned home was to have a cup of tea and thank Jesus.
Smartly dressed in a striped blue and cream shirt, a blue tie and
leather jacket, soft-spoken Horst said: "I know he (Max) would be
accepted back to school. They know what kind of calibre he is."
Max's mother Christa said her son felt guilty for not helping stop
the incident.
"To the Pretorius family all I can say is I am sorry," she said
before getting into a blue Ford Sierra.
Journalists were prevented from attending a memorial service held at
the school after the court case.
Harmse allegedly arrived at the school on Monday morning with his
face painted black and wearing a mask, similar to those worn by US
heavy metal band Slipknot. He then allegedly produced a Samurai sword
and slashed 16-year-old Jacques Pretorius across the neck with it.
Pretorius died on the scene. Harmse then allegedly stabbed and injured
another boy and two gardeners.