While the festive season brought happiness and wonderful memories to some families, the Briel family from Roodepoort has had one of the worst.
The family spent the December holidays picking up the pieces following the tragic death of their beloved family member, Billy Bruce Briel.
Read the initial article here:
https://roodepoortnorthsider.co.za/309001/rugby-fever-ends-tragedy-outside-popular-weltevreden-park-bar/?fbclid=IwAR2gZmThuF7wy3EwN6VahOLL1il-uRjdDEQog0B9TVs0E0E_EEbCJJlSWGE
The 31-year-old Billy died a painful death on 2 November 2019 after he was allegedly stabbed outside Ballbreakers in Weltevreden Park following a brawl between him and another patron.
His tragic demise has left his family not only devastated, but with many questions as they seek justice for him.
In an interview with the deceased’s emotional father, Stephanus Gerhadus Briel, he lamented as to how the death of his son had left the family shaken up.
“It’s been very tough for everyone – the family is seeking answers, including his fiancée, siblings and me. We all want to know the cause of his death,” he said.
The Northsider initially reported that a scuffle ensued between Billy and another man inside the bar. The bouncer at the Devon Valley Shopping Centre-based bar escorted the man out of the premises; however, Billy followed them, leading to the alleged fatal stabbing. The incident was picked up on CCTV cameras. The footage is said to be in the hands of the police and forms part of the investigation.
Following the incident, police were on the lookout for the suspect; however, Honeydew Police spokesperson Captain Balan Muthan said, “The suspect handed himself over to the police and the matter is under investigation”.
It is reported that the suspect managed to secure bail for himself. On 22 January, Muthan confirmed that he had made a brief appearance in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court and his hearing was postponed to a date in March for further investigation.
At this stage it is unclear whether the suspect has admitted to stabbing Billy.
He’s father, Stephanus, who described his son as not a violent person and a reveler, pleaded with the police to provide justice for them as the death haunts the family.
“We’ve been having sleepless nights thinking about this tragedy. I’ve been inundated with calls from family members asking me about the case, but I have nothing positive to tell them,” he lamented.
“It would mean a lot to us if justice is served for my son in order to be consoled,” he explained.
Billy left behind his fiancée, Monique de Lange, and three children.
The Northsider will be following this case very closely.
This is a developing story.
