Man remanded over North West District arrow stabbing death

A man who was reportedly shot with an arrow, which he pulled out and used to stab and kill his alleged assailant, was yesterday remanded to prison after he was charged with unlawfully killing the said assailant.

Royburn Morris appeared in a city court before Magistrate Judy Latchman charged with unlawfully killing John Joseph on April 2 at Triangle Backdam, North West District.

Attorney-at-law Clyde Forde, who represented the defendant, told the court that the case is one of self-defence. He stated that on the day in question the defendant was involved in an argument with someone when the 65-year-old Joseph approached them to try and mend the situation.

Forde further stated that Joseph then decided to shoot the defendant with an arrow to his abdomen which led to the defendant pulling out the said arrow and using it to stab Joseph while he was attempting to reload his bow. It was mentioned that the arrow may have been poisoned and the defendant, up to yesterday, collapsed, has slurred speech and needs to have urgent tests done.

According to Forde, the defendant is a diabetic and also suffers from high blood pressure, adding that unless he is given urgent medical attention the situation may become worse.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail based on the gravity of the charge adding that on the day in question the son of the deceased was being badly beaten by Morris and it was when the deceased went as a mediator that he met his demise.

A medical was presented to Magistrate Latchman, which the magistrate stated, only showed the tests the defendant has to undergo and not the injuries he had suffered.

The magistrate also observed that the defendant had a bandage on his right hand and was told it was for injuries he sustained from the arrow.

The defendant was remanded to prison and will appear in court today for assignment by the Chief Magistrate.