The 22-year-old man charged with the murder of Mitchells Plain drum major Chad Arendse has been positively identified by a witness in an identity parade.
The court ordered that the man could not be identified until the identity parade, which was held last week, was completed.
The suspect made an appearance at the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where the State indicated that the investigation is complete and that they are ready for trial.
The trial is expected to start on Monday, 9 March, at the Mitchells Plain Regional Court at which point the suspect may be identified.
The suspect’s family previously told the Daily Voice they believe he is innocent and would never have shot Chad, who was his friend, and that he was wrongfully accused.
He was granted bail of R2000 last year and pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder.
Chad, from Beacon Valley, was a drum major for the Littlewood Primary Drill Squad and the Western Province Marching Squad.
Chad was attending the 21st birthday party of a friend in Rocklands when he was shot and killed in June last year.
Chad was also involved in the Malay and Christmas choirs and was a member of the Pennsylvanians minstrels.
Chad was to join the South Africa Navy this year before his life was cruelly cut short.
His bereaved mother, Natasha Arendse, says they are thrilled that the identity parade is completed and the suspect was “positively” identified.
“I would not wish this on anyone. I miss him every day,” she says.
“All I want is justice for my son. If the suspect is found guilty, then he must pay.”