Eugene Botha, accused of triple murder, has been transferred to the Johannesburg High Court for his first pre-trial hearing on July 26.

Botha previously appeared in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on June 28, facing charges of three counts of murder and possession of an unlawful firearm and ammunition.

Repeatedly denied bail due to insufficient evidence and ongoing investigations, the court last denied Botha’s bail on June 3.

The court postponed the case to allow further investigations and await the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision on the trial venue.

After his June 28 appearance, an additional charge of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice was added.

Botha will face the Johannesburg High Court with 19 witnesses set to testify against him. The charges are as follows:

• Three counts of murder under section 51(1) of Act 105 of 1997 and section 258 of Act 51 of 1977.

• Unlawful possession of a firearm under sections of the Firearms Control Act, 60 of 2000, and section 250 of Act 51 of 1977.

• Unlawful possession of ammunition under sections of the Firearms Control Act, 60 of 2000, and section 250 of Act 51 of 1977.

• Defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.

Botha first appeared in court in Germiston on January 4. At the time of his arrest, Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the police were investigating a case of triple murder, with all victims having stab wounds.

His subsequent court dates were January 11, February 8, April 8, May 21, and June 28. On June 28, Botha’s brother Jaco Botha and extended family members were at the Germiston court.

Supported by other family members, Jaco stated, “I am happy to see the matter going for a pre-trial at the Johannesburg High Court. I was surprised to hear the magistrate say there are 19 witnesses against Eugene Botha.

“I believe this demonstrates the impact this experience had on the entire community.”

He vowed to see the matter through to the end.