John-Ross Henderson appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court for a bail application. Picture: Sandi Kwon Hoo
MURDER accused John-Ross Henderson, 38, explained his presence at the scene where Jayson Afrique and his wife, Micayla, were shot in their driveway in New Park on July 31, claiming that he was conducting security patrols in Black Street at the time and was alerted by Sol Plaatje University radio security about the incident.
He has been charged with the murder of Afrique and the attempted murder of his wife.
Testifying during a new bail application in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on November 28, Henderson stated that he was the director of a security and rapid response company and was on duty at the time of the incident.
He told the court that students regularly fell victim to robberies in the New Park area.
“Upon my arrival at the house, ER24 emergency services, the SAPS Flying Squad, Scorpsec Security and Hardcore Security, as well as privately-owned vehicles, were on the scene. The crime scene was not secured and no one was prevented entry. There were civilians as well as police officials and security personnel present,” said Henderson.
He indicated that he noticed hot dog containers and a Coke can lying next to the Hilux bakkie where Afrique was fatally shot.
Henderson added that he had greeted Micayla’s father on the scene and they had shared a conversation about security work.
“I asked him what had happened and he said there was a shooting. As my services were not required, I left,” said Henderson.
He further told the court that he disagreed with many aspects of the evidence presented by the investigating officer.
“I was not given an opportunity to offer my version of what happened. I did not have a chance to challenge what was said with my previous legal representative as I did not wish to interrupt proceedings. I was taken to the holding cells directly before and after court appearances and was not able to speak to my lawyer.”
State prosecutor Kago Barnett raised concerns about Henderson’s inability to recall the exact time of his arrival or how long he remained at the crime scene, describing his account as suspicious.
The matter was postponed until December 13.