The case against the Alberton murder-accused couple, Werner Jack Schoeman (accused one) and Delichia Bekker (accused two), returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court on July 7.

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.

Defence witness, Cheslin John, continued with his testimony. John is an inmate at Boksburg Prison (the same prison Schoeman is held at) on a separate case.

Asked by the prosecutor about his relations with the accused, he said: “I do not know accused one (Schoeman) and accused two (Bekker). They are not my friends. I only know Anthony.”

The mysterious man named Anthony is understood to have been in a relationship with accused two (Bekker) shortly before she got into a relationship with accused one (Schoeman).

Anthony disappeared in 2023, and his family are still searching for him.

Commenting about Anthony’s whereabouts, John said: “I have been locked up for a very long time so I do not know where he is.”

It was revealed in court that John had initially intended to be a State witness before switching his allegiance to the defence and testifying as a witness for the accused.

“I am in possession of a statement – an S40 – bearing your name. At the bottom of that statement is a signature. Is that your name and signature?” the prosecutor asked.

John nodded in the affirmative while holding the statement, confirming his knowledge of it. “I was forced to make the statement. I did not make it freely. Brandt (detective) said if I do not make a statement and agree to be a State witness, I will be linked to this case. What is contained in that statement is incorrect,” said John.

Asked why he made the statement, John said: “If someone says I will link you to a case you have no knowledge of. What would you do?”

The Alberton Record understands that the Brandt being referred to is the detective who served as the investigating officer in the ongoing case against accused one, Schoeman, and accused two, Bekker.

Detective Brandt has since passed away, and the case was taken over by a new detective. The prosecutor asked the court to set a date for a ‘trial within a trial’. This is a separate procedure held during a criminal trial to determine the admissibility of a disputed confession or admission.

The main trial will be temporarily paused so the court can hear evidence specifically limited to the circumstances under which the statement was obtained.

The State has to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the confession or admission was made freely and voluntarily.

Presiding magistrate Isabella Mlaba set down the trial within a trial for hearing for July 27.

Both accused and the inmate witness remain in custody.

WATCH: Alberton murder-accused couple: Witness takes the stand, testifying for the defence