PROJECT: SERIOUS VIOLENT CRIMES AGAINST ANIMALS - UPDATE REGARDING COURT PROCEEDINGS FOR LEO (PART 7)

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May 22
6 min read

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THE ACCUSED REMAIN IN CUSTODY: Pastor Andries Labuschagné and his wife, Reinette Labuschagné. — **THE ACCUSED REMAIN IN CUSTODY:** **Pastor Andries Labuschagné and his wife, Reinette Labuschagné**.

WARNING BY MR. MIKE BOLHUIS NOT TO CREATE ALARM BY SHARING INSTIGATIVE PERSONAL OPINIONS:

LEO 7

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Mr. Mike Bolhuis strongly warns the public and all interested parties not to spread alarm or unrest by sharing personal opinions, speculation, or unfounded claims, particularly regarding developments in sensitive legal cases, such as the ongoing matter involving Leo.
While public interest and emotional investment are entirely understandable, we must act responsibly and respectfully within the framework of the law.
Unverified statements and instigative commentary, especially on social media, can:
- Undermine ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.
- Spread misinformation and cause unnecessary panic.
- Damage the reputations of innocent individuals.
- Obstruct justice by influencing public sentiment inappropriately.
The justice system must be allowed to operate without interference or prejudice, and all updates will be communicated officially as facts become available.
We urge everyone to refrain from speculating on matters such as the magistrate’s recusal in the Leo case.
There may be valid legal or procedural reasons involved, and premature conclusions only disrupt due process.
If you have questions or concerns, please raise them through the appropriate and verified channels.
Support the cause with facts, calm, and respect, not fear, anger, or assumption.

It is important not to create alarm through personal opinions not based on fact,

especially in sensitive cases like the Leo matter, for the following key reasons:

PRESUMPTION OF IMPARTIALITY AND DUE PROCESS:
- Judicial officers have a duty to act with impartiality.
- When magistrates recuse themselves, it may be for valid legal or procedural reasons, such as a potential conflict of interest or to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.
- Speculating without facts undermines the justice process and casts unwarranted doubt on the legal system.
PREVENTING MISINFORMATION:
- Personal assumptions or emotionally charged opinions will quickly spread misinformation, especially on social media.
- This may inflame public sentiment, distort public understanding of the case, and harm the reputations of those involved, whether justified or not.
RESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW:
- Creating panic or mistrust through unfounded claims erodes confidence in the legal system.
- It can fuel narratives that justice is being deliberately obstructed, even when delays or decisions are within legal norms.
AVOID PREJUDICE TO THE CASE:
- Public speculation can influence public opinion and potentially prejudice ongoing investigations, future court decisions, or even jury perception (where applicable).
- This is especially important in cases with high public interest, such as those involving animal cruelty.
PROTECTION OF THE ACCUSED'S AND VICTIM'S RIGHTS:
- Both the accused and victims, human or animal, have rights protected by law.
- Creating panic or misinforming the public may interfere with these rights and complicate the pursuit of a fair, lawful outcome.
- In conclusion, while public concern is understandable, especially in emotionally sensitive cases like Leo’s, relying on verified facts and legal updates from credible sources is crucial.
- This ensures that advocacy for justice is responsible, ethical, and effective.

The case appeared in court on 19 May 2025, and the presiding Magistrate announced

that he would recuse himself from the matter.

As a result, proceedings have been postponed to allow for the appointment of a new Magistrate,

the fourth to be assigned to this case.

The matter has been postponed to 10 June 2025.

Both accused will remain in custody until then.

The repeated postponements of the bail application in the case involving Leo, the bull terrier who suffered a brutal attack,

can be attributed to several factors commonly observed in the South African judicial system,

particularly in cases of serious offences.

TRANSITION TO REGIONAL COURT JURISDICTION:
- Initially, Pastor Andries Labuschagné and his wife, Reinette Labuschagné, appeared in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate's Court.
- However, due to the gravity of the charges, including violations of the Animal Protection Act and assault, the case was escalated to the Regional Court.
- Such transitions often necessitate additional administrative processes and scheduling time, leading to postponements.
PENDING ADDITIONAL CHARGES:
- Beyond the initial charges, further allegations have been brought against the accused, including a molestation charge against Pastor Labuschagné.
- Introducing new charges requires the prosecution to gather additional evidence and may compel the defence to adjust their strategy, contributing to delays in the bail application process.
INVESTIGATION AND EVIDENCE COMPILATION:
- Comprehensive investigations are crucial in cases involving multiple charges.
- The need to collect and analyse evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare detailed reports can extend the timeline before a bail hearing can proceed.
COURT SCHEDULING AND RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS:
- The South African court system often faces challenges such as limited availability of courtrooms and judicial officers, leading to scheduling conflicts.
- These systemic issues can result in the postponement of hearings, including bail applications.
DEFENCE PREPAREDNESS:
- At times, the defence may request additional time to prepare for the bail hearing, especially when new charges are introduced or when awaiting further information from the prosecution.
- Such requests, while within legal rights, can contribute to delays.
PUBLIC AND CASE SENSITIVITY:
- High-profile cases, particularly those involving animal cruelty, garner significant public attention.
- Courts may exercise additional caution in such cases to ensure thoroughness and fairness, which can inadvertently lead to extended timelines for proceedings like bail applications.

In summary, the postponements in the bail application for the Leo case result from a combination of legal, procedural,

and systemic factors inherent in the judicial process.

While these delays can be frustrating, they often reflect the complexities of ensuring a fair and comprehensive legal proceeding.

Read our previous projects concerning Leo's case for more context:

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Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

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