Groblersdal is now venue for Blokland case

The murder case of Nardus Blokland, a Rynfield businessman, has been moved from the Roossenekal Periodical Court in Limpopo to the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court. An investigator from IRS Forensic Investigations, Chad Thomas, who was appointed on a watching brief for the criminal investigation and prosecution of the matter, spoke on behalf of the Blokland family, stating that the case was presented before the court on March 27 as reported by the Benoni City Times.

The application to transfer the case to Groblersdal was unopposed. The accused, Sean Swart, out on bail of R15 000, has not yet pleaded. The next hearing is scheduled for June 7, and it is expected that the police investigation will be complete by then, and a trial date can be set.

Blokland died on November 4 at the Highside Tavern in Tonteldoos, Mpumalanga, owned by the suspect. According to eyewitnesses, Blokland and the suspect’s brother-in-law displayed martial arts moves at a party when the brother-in-law, who had recently undergone a hip replacement, fell.

Swart witnessed the fall from a distance and allegedly hit Blokland before storming back into the pub and returning with a wooden bar stool to continue the assault. Blokland is believed to have died from head and chest injuries.

The family is devastated but receives emotional support from friends and the community. Thomas and the family’s attorney, Eric Bryer, will continue following the case through the watching brief to ensure justice prevails.

Photo: Facebook / @IRS Forensic Investigations