An ex-policeman, accused of killing a close relative, pleaded not guilty in the Louis Trichardt Regional Court this week, arguing self-defence.

The 33-year-old Famanda Voster Nemahuchu appeared on Monday. He was arrested in April 2010 after allegedly shooting a relative, Mr Johannes Risimati Mabunda, four times with his service pistol.

At the time, Nemahuchu was attached to the Hlanganani police station. According to information provided, he was drinking at a nearby tavern in the village when Mabunda provoked him. Mabunda apparently followed Nemahuchu home, where he threatened to stab him with a broken bear bottle. It was at this stage that Nemahuchu opened fire on Mabunda.

During his court appearance on Monday, Nemahuchu argued that he had acted in self-defence.

“My father tried to intervene. However, he pushed my father, who fell down.  He then smashed an empty beer bottle and charged towards me. He tried to hit me, but I blocked with my hands; however, he continued attacking me,” stated Nemahuchu in his plea document.

“I then took out my service pistol from my waist, and fired several warning shots. He, however, was not scared ... and he tried to grab my hand which had held the firearm and shots (which I could not count) went off, while we were battling for the firearm. I realised that one shot had hit him. It all happened in a spur of a moment and there was no time to appreciate the consequences of my actions let alone to act in appreciation of such action consequences (sic),” reads Nemahuchu’s statement.

The case was postponed until 10 September, when his trial will begin.