WATCH: Lawyer’s access issues delay Alberton murder trial of Susan Murray
Susan Murray’s murder case sees yet another delay. Her daughter and partner, accused of the crime, remain behind bars as the trial stalls to August 4.
The high-profile Alberton murder case in which Susan Gillian Murray was killed returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on July 15.
Murray’s decomposed body was found dumped in Alberton North in November 2023.
The accused are Werner Jack Schoeman (42) and Delichia Bekker (43). Schoeman (accused one) and Bekker (accused two), who were dating at the time, lived with Murray on Oribi Street in Verwoerdpark, Alberton.
Bekker, Murray’s daughter, is accused of involvement in her mother’s death and was arrested days before Schoeman. He was later arrested while hiding in South Hills in 2023.
Their case has faced multiple postponements since their arrests. However, since June 4, the State has maintained that it is satisfied with the evidence in the docket and the charges brought against the accused and is ready to proceed with trial.
At the June 20 court hearing, Schoeman and Bekker’s defence lawyer confirmed they had received all the relevant evidence and documentation contained in the case docket.
However, the defence requested a postponement until July 15 to allow for further consultation with the accused.
The court granted the request. At the July 15 hearing, the defence lawyer requested another postponement after struggling to consult with Bekker, who is held at the Johannesburg Correctional Services (Sun City Prison).
@albertonrecordSusan Murray’s murder case sees yet another delay. Her daughter and partner, accused of the crime, remain behind bars as the trial stalls to August 4. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za♬ original sound – Alberton Record
“Your worship, I was unable to consult with accused two because I struggled to set up an appointment at the Johannesburg Prison. However, I was given new contact details and a contact person with whom to arrange an appointment, and I endeavour to consult either this week or next week, your worship. May I ask the court to grant us an opportunity to consult?” said the defence lawyer.
The State did not oppose the postponement request. “This matter is being adjourned until August 4 at this court for the defence to consult with accused two. Both of you shall remain in custody,” said the presiding officer.
Schoeman and Bekker face charges of murder, fraud and assault and remain in custody until their next appearance.
WATCH: Alberton murder-accused couple face further delay with court postponement
