The murder trial of Gert Hitzeroth continued on three inconsecutive days in June and July, at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
The couple accused of being involved with the murder, together with the State’s witnesses, appeared in court.
Accused number one faces a charge of murder. According to the State, he is accused of causing the death of Hitzeroth by beating him with a baseball bat and drowning him in the pool.
The accused pleaded not guilty.
The second accused faces two charges. The first charge against her is for defeating the ends of justice, in which the State alleges that she hid the murder weapon from police and cleaned up the blood of the deceased.
The accused pleaded not guilty to this charge.
The second charge against her is a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm as an accessory.
The State alleges that she became an accessory to this crime by opening the gate of the property for the first accused to get outside and assault the deceased.
• June 13 – trial day number one
The State’s first witness began to testify. In the aftermath of the incident, he had little memory of the night. There will be another trial date on June 27 when he will continue to testify.
• June 27 – trial day number two
Both the defence and the State are ready to proceed with the matter, however there was a problem as the court clerk was on study leave and the person in her place had not been formally trained.
The defence expressed their concern about the court clerk who has not been formally trained and there is no other court clerk available to assist.
“I don’t want us to be in a situation where there is no recording available. With load-shedding and no available petrol for the generator there could be a chance of the recording not properly saving on the server. This will all delay the matter.”
The presiding officer, magistrate Leeann Singh, stated that a postponement would be in the best interests of the case. The couple have been granted an extension of bail, and their case will continue on July 5.
• July 5 – trail day number three
The Hitzerhoth family was disappointed to hear the case would not be proceeding since the prosecutor is absent.
According to a family member of Gert Hitzerhoth, this was unacceptable. They have been without closure for four years.
“We need closure in this matter. Court appearances are causing us to lose business,” said the family member.
The trial has once again been set for two separate dates, and the couple’s bail has been extended.
The matter has been postponed to September 13 and September 27 for further hearings.
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