The lawyer of Pretoria businessman Nico Henning‚ accused of masterminding his wife’s murder‚ says the defence believes the decision by the state to withdraw charges was thoroughly consulted.
Piet van Wyk spoke to members of the media briefly on Monday morning outside the Pretoria High Court‚ where Henning’s charges had just been withdrawn.
“We have taken note of the prosecution’s statement that they are not ready to proceed with the matter.
“We know that the prosecuting team is well-experienced. We have all the reason to believe that they are well-prepared‚ consulted thoroughly and we take note of their thorough decision not to prosecute‚” Van Wyk said.
Henning was accused of plotting the murder of his wife‚ Chanelle Henning. Four men have already been convicted for their roles in carrying out the hit.
Chanelle‚ 26‚ who was estranged from her husband‚ was gunned down by men on a motorcycle in a drive-by shooting near her son’s nursery school in the Pretoria suburb of Faerie Glen in November 2011.
The couple were embroiled in a divorce and custody battle.
On the day Henning’s trial was expected to begin‚ prosecutor Gerrie Nel‚ who prosecuted paralympian Oscar Pistorius for the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp‚ said the state was not in a position to proceed with the case and withdrew Henning’s murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku would not provide reasons for the decision.
“We don’t want to share the reasons with the public. They are technical‚” he said.
Van Wyk said he hopes the decision to withdraw would bring Henning and Chanelle’s family closure.
“We thoroughly hope and believe that Mr Henning and the Saincic family would continue with their lives now.”
Henning was implicated in the murder by a friend‚ former police officer Andre Gouws‚ one of four men convicted for their role in the hit on Chanelle.
Gouws and former Nigerian Olympic athlete Ambrose Monye are serving life sentences for the murder‚ but have been granted leave to appeal.
Another ex-policeman‚ Gerhardus du Plessis‚ and his friend Willem Pieterse were also jailed for the killing.
Decision not to prosecute 'thorough' – Nico Henning's lawyer
The lawyer of Pretoria businessman Nico Henning‚ accused of masterminding his wife’s murder‚ says the defence believes the decision by the state to withdraw charges was thoroughly consulted.
Piet van Wyk spoke to members of the media briefly on Monday morning outside the Pretoria High Court‚ where Henning’s charges had just been withdrawn.
“We have taken note of the prosecution’s statement that they are not ready to proceed with the matter.
“We know that the prosecuting team is well-experienced. We have all the reason to believe that they are well-prepared‚ consulted thoroughly and we take note of their thorough decision not to prosecute‚” Van Wyk said.
Henning was accused of plotting the murder of his wife‚ Chanelle Henning. Four men have already been convicted for their roles in carrying out the hit.
Chanelle‚ 26‚ who was estranged from her husband‚ was gunned down by men on a motorcycle in a drive-by shooting near her son’s nursery school in the Pretoria suburb of Faerie Glen in November 2011.
The couple were embroiled in a divorce and custody battle.
On the day Henning’s trial was expected to begin‚ prosecutor Gerrie Nel‚ who prosecuted paralympian Oscar Pistorius for the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp‚ said the state was not in a position to proceed with the case and withdrew Henning’s murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku would not provide reasons for the decision.
“We don’t want to share the reasons with the public. They are technical‚” he said.
Van Wyk said he hopes the decision to withdraw would bring Henning and Chanelle’s family closure.
“We thoroughly hope and believe that Mr Henning and the Saincic family would continue with their lives now.”
Henning was implicated in the murder by a friend‚ former police officer Andre Gouws‚ one of four men convicted for their role in the hit on Chanelle.
Gouws and former Nigerian Olympic athlete Ambrose Monye are serving life sentences for the murder‚ but have been granted leave to appeal.
Another ex-policeman‚ Gerhardus du Plessis‚ and his friend Willem Pieterse were also jailed for the killing.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos