Update
KNYSNA NEWS - The case surrounding the 2020 murder of Concordia resident Mercia Kleinbooi returned to the Knysna Magistrate's Court last week, with suspect Gevandre Jantjies (32) returning to the dock too.
Kleinbooi was murdered in her home on 8 March 2020, almost two and a half years ago. At the time, Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies said Jantjies was arrested and charged with the murder of Kleinbooi after their investigation showed that the two had an argument during which he stabbed her with a knife.
"She sustained a stab wound to the neck and died on the scene," said Spies.
Jantjies first appeared in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on 13 March 2020. After several postponements (one of which was due to the Covid-19 lockdown), it has been in and out of the court before Jantjies pleaded not guilty on a charge of murder on 17 July this year.
"He made certain admissions in terms of section 115(2) of Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 [that] were recorded as formal admissions in terms of to Section 220 of the Criminal Procedures Act," said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila.
The matter was then postponed to 10 August for state witnesses to testify in the state's case.
"Dr Hattingh who dealt with the post mortem [of Kleinbooi], was not available and the case was rolled over to 12 August.
"On the day he returned to court for his testimony, Dr Hattingh testified that it was unlikely that the injury sustained by the victim could be accidental as the accused claimed," Ntabazalila said.
"There was no direct evidence linking the accused except for a 'confession' indicating that it was accidental. The state closed its case. The case was then further postponed to 9 September for the defence case."
Previous articles:
- Kleinbooi murder: Jantjies bail bid postponed by lockdown
- Kleinbooi case deferred for bail
- Protesters: "No bail for murder accused"
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