KEY POINTS
- In August 2016, the incident took place near Brandfort on the assumption that they were robbing a farm.
- An inquest held in 2024 brought murder charges against Carl Christian Gutter.
- Pretorius was granted bail and the trial will continue in the Brandfort Regional Court on 29 May 2025.
This week, Carl Christian Gutter, 78, stood before a Brandfort Magistrate’s Court in connection with the 2016 shooting death of Sonnyboy Segalo.
Following years when little progress was made, an inquest has begun on the case once again.
It was an inquest in 2024 that brought the case to life again. In March 2025, the court decided that Gutter should go to trial.
After bail was given, the accused was to be tried at the court in the region.
The magistrate granted Gutter bail for R2,000. On 29 May 2025, the trial will be moved to the Brandfort Regional Court for further action.
Authorities commend the persistence of the detectives in the case
It was the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit that initiated the new probe. Authorities said the crime was not left unpunished and justice was still achieved.
Controversy regarding farm security and the use of lawful force
Experts warn that this Free state farmer charged could start a new conversation about keeping farmland safe and how much force is allowable in rural crimes. Gutter’s supporters believe he responded to defend himself, but critics point out that it is necessary to have justice and respect fair proceedings in view of how serious Segalo’s injuries were.
Human rights activists call for open information in the Free state farmer charged case
Advocates for human rights want the trial to be open, explaining that justice is taking too long in these rural incidents. Results from this trial might shape the way police and also courts handle other farm attack cases in South Africa. Finally with the case about to reopen, people near the location and those around the country are paying attention to what unfolds.
