The case against the Alberton murder-accused duo, Werner Jack Schoeman and Delichia Bekker, returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on October 29.

The pair is accused of involvement in the murder of Susan Gillian Murray.

Murray, who lived in Verwoerdpark at the time of her death, 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 while hiding in South Hills.

At last month’s sitting, the court heard testimony from witnesses about cars stolen from Murray’s Verwoerdpark home.

Two of the vehicles belonged to her stepson, who had parked them there for safekeeping, while a third belonged to the deceased. All vehicles were recovered around the time of the arrests.

Trial stalls

At the October 29 sitting, the trial did not proceed due to the absence of two state witnesses, who are SAPS members.

@albertonrecordThe case against the Alberton murder-accused duo, Werner Jack Schoeman and Delichia Bekker, returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on October 29. The pair is accused of involvement in the murder of Susan Gillian Murray. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za♬ Powerful songs like action movie music – Tansa

Their non-appearance prompted a postponement. The presiding officer expressed visible displeasure with the absence of the officers.

“They were warned to be here at the last court hearing, but they are not here. I am issuing warrants for their arrests but will stay them until the next court appearance,” said the presiding officer.

A stay arrest warrant means it has been issued but put on hold, preventing law enforcement from acting on it immediately, giving the individuals a second chance to appear in court or resolve the issue that led to the warrant.

One officer reportedly called in sick, while the other officer’s absence was unexplained.

The matter has been postponed to November 5 for further evidence. Schoeman and Bekker remain in custody.

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