South African rugby star faces murder charge

South African rugby player Bees Roux has been charged with murder after allegedly beating a policeman to death in Pretoria over the weekend.

The 28-year-old, who won the 2010 Super 14 rugby competition with his team the Blue Bulls, is accused of murdering black police sergeant Ntshimane Mogale in the early hours of August 27.

A court heard Roux had been pulled over on suspicion of drink driving and that Mogale may have been driving him home when an altercation broke out.

Roux claims his car was being stolen and that he was acting in self-defence.

Bystanders had to restrain Mogale's brother, as he attempted to break through the wall formed by the police dividing the accused and the public in the packed courtroom in Pretoria on Monday.

Prosecutors said evidence suggests Roux murdered the 38-year-old "with this hands", after Mogale's body was found lying on a Pretoria street with head injuries.

Roux's lawyer, Rudi Krause, said during a bail hearing that his client, who plays as a prop forward and once had a spell with French club Clermont, would plead not guilty.

Bail was set at 100,000 rand and Roux, who spent the weekend in jail, left the court with his family. His next court appearance is likely to be on October 15 when he is expected to enter a plea.

Springbok coach Peter De Villiers offered support to the player and said: "We feel for all South Africans, especially rugby players, and while we do not defend the act [of Roux], we sympathise with the tragedy. The team supports Bees 100 per cent, not on the deed, but rather on the circumstances that led to the situation developing." ·