The murder case of Gert Hitzeroth, in which Bianca Jackson and Shaun Walter Beaton stand accused, was postponed to February 17, following a request by the defence.

The defence requested the postponement to allow it to consult with Jackson and Beaton about an application for the presiding magistrate to recuse herself from the matter.

The defence has indicated that it wishes to consider requesting the magistrate’s withdrawal from the case, without disclosing the reasons for such an application.

The postponement comes against the backdrop of significant developments in the long-running trial.

Earlier last year, senior pathologist Dr Tinyiko Nkondo delivered pivotal testimony that reshaped the case.

During her cross-examination on February 2, Nkondo presented post-mortem findings which indicated that Hitzeroth died as a result of multiple blunt force injuries sustained during a violent physical assault.

She further testified that drowning may have contributed to his death, contradicting earlier defence claims that he died solely in a swimming pool.

According to Nkondo, while none of the injuries on their own were fatal, the cumulative effect of repeated blows, coupled with possible submersion, likely caused Hitzeroth’s death.

“The cause of death was a combination of multiple blows rather than any single incident. Contrary to initial claims, drowning might also be a contributing factor,” she told the court.

These findings bolstered the State’s argument that Hitzeroth was subjected to a sustained and brutal assault before being submerged.

The matter last reconvened on November 19, when both the prosecution and defence presented closing arguments.

At that stage, the magistrate expressed concern that the State had not clearly articulated what factual findings the court should rely on in reaching a verdict.

She subsequently instructed the prosecutor to resubmit closing arguments by December 5, with the defence afforded until January 15 to respond.

Shaun Walter Beaton, who faces a murder charge, has consistently maintained that he acted in self-defence.

Bianca Jackson, charged with obstruction of justice and as an accessory to assault, has denied any involvement in concealing evidence, insisting that she attempted to intervene during the alleged altercation.

The case is now expected to resume on February 17, when the defence is anticipated to clarify its position regarding the possible recusal application.

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