Cape Town - Two years after the horrific murder of 13-year-old Jerobejin van Wyk, who was butchered to death and dumped in a septic tank for allegedly stealing mangoes, his alleged killer is finally to set to go on trial next week.
Daniel Smit is set to appear in the Vredendal Circuit Court on an array of charges linked to the murder of the teen who was also run over with a bakkie.
The death of the boy in February 2022 sparked an uproar in the rural Matzikama Municipality town, after it was discovered Smit allegedly butchered the boy’s body and his remains were found in a septic tank at Smit’s home.
Smit was allegedly seen picking the teen up and putting him in the bakkie and two days later, it was revealed that human remains were found in the drains at Smit’s home as police and forensic experts combed for clues.
Smit appeared in the Klawer Magistrate’s Court several days later, where he abandoned his bail application claiming he was a Satanist.
Later he claimed the killing was linked to an occult.
According to the indictment, Smit is set to go on trial on an array of charges including kidnapping, murder, and defeating the ends of justice.
The State alleges that on the day of the incident, Van Wyk and his friend were caught trespassing and were chased.
“They ran from the premises and were pursued by the driver of a white Ford Bantam bakkie,” the indictment reads.
“The two friends scattered and the deceased’s friend was eventually caught.
“A witness saw the driver of a white Ford Bantam bakkie pursue the deceased, eventually knocking into the deceased with the vehicle.
“The injured deceased was placed inside the white Ford Bantam bakkie and driven off.”
A report was made to Van Wyk’s mother that he was last seen with Smit and she subsequently reported the case to police.
“She then reported the matter to the police who investigated the complaint,” the indictment reads.
“They were informed that the deceased had been given food and was not seen again.
“The following day a warrant to search the accused’s premises was issued and the accused was arrested.
“On February 4, 2022, police forensic pathology discovered human remains which was later linked to the deceased.”
Smit is also being charged with allegedly misleading police by claiming he gave the boy food at his house and that he left the property.