WATCH: Murdered Alberton mother and son: Stapelberg trial delayed by mental bed shortage
The double-murder case against Frederick Stapelberg has been delayed once more as he remains 148th on the waiting list for a mental health evaluation.
The Palmridge Magistrate’s Court again heard the Alberton double-murder case on May 9.
Frederick ‘Freddie’ Stapelberg stands accused of plotting the murder of his then-girlfriend, Nadine Terblanche, and her son, Ruandré Vorster.
The court moved the case back to District Criminal Court 6 after Stapelberg’s lawyer, Advocate Solomon Tshivhase, applied to have his client evaluated for his fitness to stand trial.
Stapelberg continues to claim that he has depression caused by these murders.
@comaro.chronicle The Palmridge Magistrate’s Court again heard the Alberton double-murder case on May 9. Frederick ‘Freddie’ Stapelberg stands accused of plotting the murder of his then-girlfriend, Nadine Terblanche, and her son, Ruandré Vorster. The court moved the case back to District Criminal Court 6 after Stapelberg’s lawyer, Advocate Solomon Tshivhase, applied to have his client evaluated for his fitness to stand trial. Stapelberg continues to claim that he has depression caused by these murders.
State advocate Riana Williams handed the court documents from Sun City Prison (Johannesburg Prison) on February 4, indicating that Stapelberg is under the medical supervision of prison officials. However, there was no evidence to prove Stapelberg could not stand trial for the crimes.
The court ordered that he be sent to Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital in Krugersdorp for a mental evaluation.
Delay in mental health admission
The magistrate postponed the matter to August 1, as Stapelberg has not yet received a bed in the mental institution. He is currently number 148 on the waiting list for bed allocation.
The judge instructed prosecutor Williams to notify the mental institution that this is a High Court matter and should receive the priority it deserves.
As the alleged mastermind, Stapelberg pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. He faces four charges: two of attempted murder and two of premeditated murder.
A judge previously ruled that he would have a separate trial, because Danhire, his co-accused, was already convicted.
WATCH: Murdered Alberton mother and son: Court sends Stapelberg to Sterkfontein hospital
