The case against the Alberton murder-accused couple, Werner Jack Schoeman (accused one) and Delichia Bekker (accused two), returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on April 8.

The pair is accused of involvement in the murder of Susan Gillian Murray, who lived in Verwoerdpark, Alberton, at the time of her death and was found dumped in Alberton North in November 2023.

Schoeman and Bekker face charges including murder, fraud, and theft. Bekker, Murray’s daughter, is accused of involvement in her mother’s death and was arrested days before Schoeman, who was caught hiding in South Hills.

Bad day for Alberton murder-accused couple

At April 8’s court hearing, Schoeman was put under pressure by the State prosecutor, Advocate Carien Mulder, during cross-examination.

@albertonrecordIt was a bad day for Alberton murder-accused couple: Werner Jack Schoeman (accused one) was put under pressure by the State prosecutor while his co-accused (Bekker) told the court she could not testify due to having depression and anxiety. Full story on albertonrecore.co.za♬ original sound – Alberton Record

“You told this court that Anthony moved out before the deceased (Murray) disappeared. I put it to you that this is different to what you previously testified. This is, in fact, your third version. You initially said that Anthony moved out (Murray’s home), mid to late November, and upon further inquiry in relation to your arrest date, you confirmed that,” said Advocate Mulder.

Anthony is a mysterious man whose name keeps getting mentioned during the trial. He is believed to be the ex-lover of accused two (Bekker) and he has since disappeared, and his family are still searching for him.

Schoeman previously alleged during his testimony that Anthony sold vehicles belonging to the Murrays and that Anthony was the last person seen with Murray before she disappeared and was subsequently found dead in Alberton North.

“You also gave us a version where Anthony moved out around the same time that the deceased (Murray) disappeared. I further put it to you, sir, that when you now told the court that the deceased had disappeared for about a month, again, this differs from your initial indications that it was a couple of weeks before, and your specific indication that it was between November 10 and 12,” continued Advocate Mulder.

“I put it to you, sir, that the reason you changed today is that the deceased had disappeared for about a month is because yesterday in cross-examination, I reminded you that the deceased’s body was already discovered on November 3, 2023. This is the only reason you have changed now,” concluded Advocate Mulder.

Responding to contradictions being pointed out, Schoeman responded by saying: “I don’t recall. I got my dates confused. There was a lot of stuff happening at the same time.” He denied attempting to mislead the court.
Accused two (Bekker) told the court she could not testify due to having depression and anxiety.

“I suffer from depression and anxiety, so I am nervous. I also don’t do very well when I have to speak in public. I am a little bit anxious. The prison hasn’t given me my anxiety pills,” said a soft-spoken Bekker. Asked if she would be able to testify, Bekker said she would only be able to do so when she had taken her medication from the prison she is currently held.

The presiding magistrate reminded Bekker that she had nothing to be anxious about and that her only duty was to testify truthfully. The magistrate, however, adjourned the case to allow Bekker to obtain her medication in prison.

The case was postponed to April 10 for further trial. Bekker is expected to take the stand and testify on their next court appearance. Both accused remain in custody.

WATCH: Alberton murder-accused couple in court, accused one cross examined by the State