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 17.

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.

Depression and anxiety claims, and the need for psychological support:

On April 10, the court proceedings hit a snag. Bekker (accused two) told the court that she could not testify as expected because she had not received her depression and anxiety medication.

She had also said that she needed psychological support before taking the stand. Presiding magistrate, Isabella Mlaba, was visibly unhappy with the delay in Bekker’s testimony. She, however, ordered that Bekker seek medical attention.

At the April 17 court hearing, the court was told that Bekker was ready to testify. The defence told the court that Bekker sought medical treatment and confirmed that she would take the stand on April 20 to give testimony.

Both accused will return to court on April 20, and they were remanded to custody.

WATCH: Alberton murder-accused couple: Magistrate unhappy with delays in accused two’s testimony

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