Sickly Ben vd Westhuizen, 81, charged with murder in self-defence shooting

Ben vd Westhuizen, 81, arrested for murder - shot dead his worker who attacked him Dec 4 2010
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2010-12-04 Johan Brits reports in Volksblad, PARYS, Free State. Elderly, sickly 81-year-old Ben van der Westhuizen was attacked on Thursday at 8pm by his worker Charlie Petersen. The old Afrikaner breathes with the aid of a respirator because he’s so ill. His advocate, who also is his daughter, says Petersen had attacked the old man at 8pm Thursday at his house.

The sickly old man was not taken into police custody because he needs a respirator and oxygen at night to help him breathe, police said. He was granted bail of R10,000 in his absence on Monday and warned to appear in court on January 21 2011. His legal counsel, advocate Anina van der Westhuizen – who also is his daughter – said Petersen gad attacked her ailing, elderly father physically.

SAPS spokesman Maselela Langa confirmed that Mr Petersen was shot dead after he had gone to the old man’s house – and that worried neighbours had phoned the old Afrikaner when they saw the worker enter his property at 8pm. Apparently Van der Westhuizen had asked Petersen what he wanted from him so late at night; that the worker did not say anything but had physically attacked him; and that the old man had then fired shots in self-defence, killing the worker.

Langa said ‘due to Mr van der Westhuizen’s medical condition he was not locked up in a police cell.’

Strangely, the SAPS’ organised crime unit at Sasolburg is apparently investigating the worker’s death. It’s not known what frail, sickly Mr Van der Westhuizen is going to be charged with… if he lives that long… http://www.volksblad.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Bejaarde-in-hof-na-werker-se-skietdood-20101204