WATCH: Alberton murder-accused couple: State calls for conviction of Werner Jack Schoeman and Delichia Bekker
State prosecutor Advocate Carien Mulder tells the court that evidence against an accused couple points to their involvement in the killing of an Alberton woman.
The murder trial of Werner Jack Schoeman and Delichia Bekker returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on September 9.
The couple are accused of involvement in the murder of Susan Gillian Murray, who lived in Verwoerdpark, Alberton, at the time of her death. Murray’s body was found dumped in Alberton North in November 2023.
@albertonrecord State prosecutor Advocate Carien Mulder tells the court that evidence against an accused couple points to their involvement in the killing of an Alberton woman. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
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.
Arguments over witness credibility
Defence witness Cheslin John wrapped up his testimony, with the prosecutor again challenging contradictions in his evidence.
“You still maintain that you and accused number one are not friends, but you said you went with accused number one and two to the child’s school and you still say you are not friends. Then you are entrusted to stay with the child in the vehicle. That doesn’t make sense,” said the prosecutor.
“The incident at the school was not planned. It was just a coincidence that we were together on that day,” responded John.
After challenging the credibility of John’s testimony, the prosecutor said she had no further questions for him.
State presents closing arguments
The state wrapped up its case with closing arguments, urging the court to consider the evidence holistically.
“Your worship, this court should consider the evidence holistically and not in isolation, which paints a picture of who the perpetrators of these crimes are. No evidence points directly to the accused, but when looked at as a whole, it shows that accused one and two are involved,” the prosecutor argued.
Closing arguments are set to continue on September 11 and 16. Schoeman and Bekker remain in custody.
WATCH: Alberton murder-accused couple: State confronts inmate over conflicting statements
