Accused in Koopman murder granted bail

Breaking News Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The accused in the murder of Barbarians rugby player Leroy Koopman (34) has been granted bail after submitting a second bail application.

Na'min October (27) appeared in the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court today, 27 August where his second bail application was finalised. He has been released from police custody on R500 bail.

October was previously denied bail on 24 June, and decided to reapply based on new evidence.

Robynne Petersen, the advocate on record for the accused, told Mossel Bay Advertiser that the victim's wife and grandparents said they did not oppose October's release.

However, the court previously heard that if he were to be granted bail, it would be traumatising for Koopman's wife and children, which was a factor in why he was initially denied bail.

"I can also confirm that the court heard that he [October] acted out of self-defense," added Petersen.

Petersen also told the Advertiser that the court heard accounts of three witnesses who contradicted the original version of events that took place the night of Koopman's death.

What exactly these accounts were and how they contradicted what had been stated before was not made available at the time of going to print. However, this is a developing story and the Advertiser will keep its readers updated as the matter evolves.

October will make his next appearance in court on Wednesday 1 October.

Previous articles:

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’