The pre-sentencing proceedings in the murder case relating to the death of Gert Hitzeroth were postponed in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, July 8, after illness affected both the prosecution and defence teams.

Shaun Beaton was convicted in connection with Hitzeroth’s death on May 19, 2018. The State alleges that Beaton struck Hitzeroth with an aluminium baseball bat during a confrontation at his home before becoming involved in the victim’s subsequent drowning in a swimming pool.

Illness leads to postponement

The matter had been set down for the continuation of pre-sentencing evidence before final sentencing proceedings can take place.

However, the court heard that the State prosecutor was absent due to illness. The prosecutor, who had been arranged to stand in, was also off sick. One of the defence attorneys was also unable to attend because of illness, although an associate appeared on behalf of the defence.

After completing his duties in another court, the senior prosecutor attended to the matter. As the State was not in a position to proceed with the scheduled evidence, the case was postponed to July 29.

Previous evidence before the court

At the previous hearing, further pre-sentencing evidence was presented to the court.

Social worker Wolmarans continued with her report, which included a letter written by Beaton to the Hitzeroth family expressing remorse for the events of May 19, 2018.

The report also dealt with his personal background, the likelihood of reoffending and the conditions he has experienced while in custody.

The court also heard evidence from a probation officer who presented a victim impact report on behalf of the deceased’s daughter, Chantelle Hitzeroth.

The report described the emotional, social and financial impact of Hitzeroth’s death on the family, while the defence challenged aspects of the report during cross-examination.

At the hearing on July 12, the court was expected to continue hearing evidence from additional probation officers as part of the pre-sentencing proceedings before final sentencing could take place. However, following the postponement on July 8, those proceedings did not continue as planned.

The matter has now been postponed to July 29, when the State is expected to continue leading its remaining pre-sentencing evidence before sentencing proceedings resume.

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