Boulter faces three additional charges
ESTER KAMATI
OUTJO
Three additional charges have been brought against Harvey Boulter, accused of the murder of his farm foreman, Gerhard van Wyk, on 27 February 2021.
The additional charges – defeating/obstructing the course of justice, illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition – were disclosed at Boulter’s bail hearing on Thursday.
The investigating officer in the case, who cannot be named in the interest of the ongoing investigation, testified that the murder weapon was owned by the company XC Arms and Ammunition for the purpose of demonstration and sale.
The investigator further testified that Boulter did not have a licence to possess a firearm.
"Records show that the company was issued a dealer’s licence," stated the investigator, adding that the gun was supposed to have been kept in a safe along with the rest of the dealer’s stock of weapons.
Boulter allegedly ended up in possession of the gun after he had requested the late Van Wyk's son to give him a firearm, which he did not refuse out of fear of losing his job.
Asked why the investigation had not been concluded, the investigator said he still had to take statements from two people whom he had been unable to trace.
He said the investigation should be complete by 30 June.
The investigator further stated that although Boulter had handed in his passport, there were still fears that he might flee the country because of his wealth and international connections.
According to witness statements shared by the investigator, the incident in February was not the first time that Boulter had verbally abused one of his employees, specifically the late Gerhard van Wyk.
‘Not violent’
Clinical psychologist Charine Glen-Spyron, who was a witness for the defence, stated that from her observation and a number of assessments, Boulter is not a violent person, nor is he a threat to others.
She added that "there is true remorse" over the incident.
She further testified that Boulter was receiving treatment for anxiety, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and had not shown signs of wanting to escape from the situation.
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OUTJO
Three additional charges have been brought against Harvey Boulter, accused of the murder of his farm foreman, Gerhard van Wyk, on 27 February 2021.
The additional charges – defeating/obstructing the course of justice, illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition – were disclosed at Boulter’s bail hearing on Thursday.
The investigating officer in the case, who cannot be named in the interest of the ongoing investigation, testified that the murder weapon was owned by the company XC Arms and Ammunition for the purpose of demonstration and sale.
The investigator further testified that Boulter did not have a licence to possess a firearm.
"Records show that the company was issued a dealer’s licence," stated the investigator, adding that the gun was supposed to have been kept in a safe along with the rest of the dealer’s stock of weapons.
Boulter allegedly ended up in possession of the gun after he had requested the late Van Wyk's son to give him a firearm, which he did not refuse out of fear of losing his job.
Asked why the investigation had not been concluded, the investigator said he still had to take statements from two people whom he had been unable to trace.
He said the investigation should be complete by 30 June.
The investigator further stated that although Boulter had handed in his passport, there were still fears that he might flee the country because of his wealth and international connections.
According to witness statements shared by the investigator, the incident in February was not the first time that Boulter had verbally abused one of his employees, specifically the late Gerhard van Wyk.
‘Not violent’
Clinical psychologist Charine Glen-Spyron, who was a witness for the defence, stated that from her observation and a number of assessments, Boulter is not a violent person, nor is he a threat to others.
She added that "there is true remorse" over the incident.
She further testified that Boulter was receiving treatment for anxiety, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and had not shown signs of wanting to escape from the situation.
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