VIDEO: Alberton murder-accused couple’s case delayed as court grills prosecutor
A high-profile murder trial faces delays as key evidence remains elusive. Accused lovers Werner Schoeman and Delichia Bekker, the victim’s daughter, await justice while the court demands transparency.
The Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court heard the murder case of then-Verwoerdpark resident Susan Gillian Murray on June 4.
Her decomposed body was found in Alberton North in November 2023.
The accused are Werner Jack Schoeman (42) and Delichia Bekker (43). Schoeman (accused one) and Bekker (accused two) dated and lived with Murray on Oribi Street in Verwoerdpark at the time of her death.
Schoeman was arrested while hiding in South Hills in 2023. Bekker, Murray’s daughter, is accused of involvement in her mother’s death and was arrested days before Schoeman.
First session of June 4’s court hearing:
The first court session saw the prosecutor face tough questions from the presiding magistrate over repeated postponement requests.
@albertonrecordA high-profile murder trial faces delays as key evidence remains elusive. Accused lovers Werner Schoeman and Delichia Bekker, the victim’s daughter, await justice while the court demands transparency. The Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court heard the murder case of then-Verwoerdpark resident Susan Gillian Murray on June 4. Her decomposed body was found in Alberton North in November 2023. The accused are Werner Jack Schoeman (42) and Delichia Bekker (43). Schoeman (accused one) and Bekker (accused two) dated and lived with Murray on Oribi Street in Verwoerdpark at the time of her death. Read full story on albertonrecord.co.za
This followed a request to delay proceedings due to a missing J88 form in the docket, which the prosecutor said was needed to proceed.
When the magistrate asked why the matter could not proceed without the J88, the prosecutor remained silent.
“There have been issues in this case. In another instance, this court was informed the docket was unavailable,” said the magistrate.
The magistrate read previous postponement requests by the prosecution and criticised the latest attempt to delay proceedings.
Schoeman and Bekker’s lawyer opposed the request, noting the pair had been in custody for over 18 months and that each passing day further violated their right to a speedy trial.
“The State keeps giving reasons why the matter cannot proceed or a trial date cannot be set. It’s an unfair prejudice to the accused. I therefore request the case be struck off the roll, your worship,” argued the defence.
The magistrate pushed back, “Let us stand the matter down for now and take a break to allow the prosecutor an opportunity to thoroughly go through the docket. We will take it from there.
This matter will be postponed only if the court is satisfied that the investigations are complete. If the prosecutor is still uncertain, the court will then decide on the way forward. Let us stand down for now.”
Second session:
The second session began with the prosecutor’s opening remarks, “The State is satisfied with all the evidence in the docket and the charges brought against the accused.
The State is ready to proceed, and I’ve been informed the missing J88 form has been emailed and will be included when we provide copies of the docket to the defence.”
The magistrate, prosecutor and defence agreed that the court postpone the matter for “disclosure”.
Disclosure, common in criminal and civil matters, refers to postponing a case so prosecutors can share all relevant evidence and documentation with the defence, ensuring fairness and transparency and allowing both sides to fully understand the case and prepare their arguments.
“Mr Schoeman and Ms Bekker, there is now light at the end of the tunnel from the State’s side. The matter is postponed to June 20 for disclosure. Both of you shall remain in custody until then,” said the presiding magistrate as the day’s hearing concluded.
