MOPANI – A well-known businessman, France Rammabi (46) has briefly appeared in the Napuno magistrate's court on Monday this week on a charge of murder. The incident took place at the Rita Roadhouse café in Lenyenye near Tzaneen on Sunday afternoon at about 16:00.

According to the spokesperson of the police in the Mopani Area, Capt Moatshe Ngoepe it is alleged that on the day of the incident the deceased, Isaac Ramoshaba (33) was in the company of a friend at Rammabi's café. The statement indicates that a bitter argument ensued between the deceased and his friend.

The bone of contention could not be established. During the argument the deceased allegedly produced a panga and threatened to kill his friend. The deceased's friend ran to the shopkeeper to seek for assistance from the latter. Realising that the deceased friend's life was in danger the shopkeeper produce a firearm, presumably with the view of scaring off both the deceased and his friend.

Although the deceased's friend went closer to the shopkeeper, the deceased followed. The statement further indicates that Rammabi then pointed the firearm at the deceased and fired several shots, killing him instantly. The matter was later reported to the police.

Rammabi was arrested later that night. He was not asked to plead during his first court appearance. The case was postponed to February 6. He was however released on a R3 000 bail.