Eugene Mulder was arrested after Hannes van Dyk’s death and appeared in Phalaborwa magistrate court on charges of murder. What happened?
A 19-year-old male, Eugene Mulder, has been arrested for the murder of a 59-year-old man.
The incident occurred on Saturday, March 11, when the Police were called to investigate an assault GBH at the Royal Bliss Bar in Phalaborwa at approximately 1:00 am.
Upon arrival, Police found the victim, Hannes van Dyk, a well-known businessman, unconscious on the floor with blood emanating from his mouth.
Van Dyk, the 29 years old man, was transported to the hospital but died from injuries later that day.
Initial investigations by the Police suggest that Van Dyk and his friend were drinking at the bar when an altercation with the suspect occurred, resulting in physical contact and Van Dyk falling and sustaining injuries.
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Eugene Mulder Phalaborwa – Arrested For The Murder Of Hannes van Dyk
Eugene Mulder, aged 19, was taken into custody and presented in court for the murder of Hannes Van Dyk.
Van Dyk was eulogized as a respectable businessman and an upstanding individual on Facebook.
He was one of the co-owners of Multitech, a Company. Furthermore, he is survived by his three adult sons.
Sadly, on Saturday, March 11, 2023, Van Dyk was assaulted at the Royal Bliss Bar in Phalaborwa.
The Police were informed of the incident and rushed to the location, where they found the victim bleeding on the floor.
The Police immediately opened a case docket and began a search for the suspect, Eugene, who was later apprehended and charged with murder.
On the other hand, Motlafela Mojapelo stated that the victim was taken to the nearest hospital for medical attention but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries later.
Motlafela condemned the incident and reminded liquor outlet owners of their responsibility to prevent criminal activities on their premises.
The accused is in custody and will remain so until Thursday, March 2023, pending a further Police investigation.
Why Did Eugene Mulder Murder Hannes van Dyk?
Eugene Mulder is responsible for the murder of Hannes van Dyk, a prominent 59-year-old businessman from Phalaborwa in Limpopo, after the fight at a bar in Phalaborwa.
According to the Police’s initial investigation, Van Dyk and his friend were enjoying drinks when an altercation with a 19-year-old suspect, who was also at the bar, began. The argument escalated into a physical fight.
The case has brought to light a deadly game known as “drop a toppie” (drop an elderly man), in which older men are randomly targeted and assaulted by gangs for no apparent reason.
These gangs comprise men in their late teens and early twenties. Recent reports suggest that there have been several such attacks.
The modus operandi of these gangs is to visit drinking spots, identify an ‘old toppie,’ and harass them until an argument ensues, following which they attack the older man.
According to News24, Van Dyk was hit with an elbow between his eyes and collapsed beside the bar counter after the alleged assault.
In the meantime, the pub has announced on social media that members of the Hamann and Mulder families will not be permitted to enter the premises.
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