/ 5 March 2008

Ballistic evidence to be given in trial of ex-bouncer

The trial of an ex-bouncer on a charge of murder will continue in the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday with the state calling for ballistic evidence to be presented.

Jonathan Street stands accused of killing Kyle Norris on November 19 2006 at a night club in Edenvale, Johannesburg.

One of the key witnesses in the trial, Graeme Mansfield, on Wednesday gave evidence that he had seen three men, companions of Street, assault Norris just before closing time on the night he was killed.

He said that he approached the group to see what had happened and was hit on the left side of the face.

In an attempt to immobilise his attacker, Mansfield said he ”grabbed him [Street] in a headlock”.

He said that Street rammed him into a bar counter to release his grip and shot Norris before he turned the gun on Mansfield.

Mansfield was shot in the face.

Street’s counsel argued that Street had walked out the door of the Max-X nightclub and that when his friends did not join him, he went back inside to see where they were.

He said that upon entering, Mansfield gripped him in a headlock and ”he could feel people punching him”.

He said that his client felt that he had ”his back against the wall” and used his firearm to defend himself.

Mansfield said that he did not agree with Street’s version of events.

The state will bring a ballistics report before the court on Thursday.

Street is expected to give testimony on Friday. — Sapa