'Sword' case postponed
A case of murder and three of attempted murder against an alleged sword killer was on Wednesday postponed in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court.
Morne Harmse (18) would remain in custody until his next appearance on August 27. He would need 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Charges of conspiracy to murder and possession of a dangerous weapon against Max Brechlin (18) were withdrawn.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.
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Brechlin, who grinned and appeared calm 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 Brechlin’s mother, Christa and his grandmother, broke down in court when the charges against him were withdrawn.
Harmse cut a lonely figure in court. He stared straight ahead and did not glance at the public gallery when he was sent back down to the cells.
Harmse allegedly arrived at school with at least three swords and several masks similar to those worn by the United States heavy-metal band Slipknot.
He reportedly told his friends that “today is the day” and tried to convince them to join him in an apparent Satanic ritual.
For their part, Slipknot said they wanted nothing to do with the case.
On Wednesday a representative of the band’s label told the Times that the band had no comment and were “not going to respond”. - Sapa
