FOLLOW-UP: Court finds Pheiffer did not flout bail conditions

The Benoni Regional Court’s Magistrate Ian Cox has found that Christian (Mike) Pheiffer did not flout his bail conditions and ruled that the trial against the accused will commence in November.

Pheiffer faces a charge of attempted murder after he allegedly attacked his then-wife with an axe at their Farrarmere home in 2021.

He was released on R10 000 bail in 2023 under strict bail conditions.

The trial against him was to start on July 4, but a request from the State to investigate allegations that he had flouted his bail conditions saw it postponed.

According to the bail conditions, the accused was ordered to wear an electronic monitoring device, report to the investigating officer twice weekly at the Benoni Police Station and notify the court should he move to another residence.

On July 10, prosecutor Swart read an affidavit by the investigating officer stating that in July 2023, the accused’s bail conditions were relaxed, stipulating that he was only required to report to the Benoni SAPS every Monday.

The register was presented as a supporting document showing these conditions have been met.

A report from the SAPS confirmed it does not have access to electronic monitoring devices.

Correctional Services further stated using these devices was scrapped because it contravened the basic human rights of those granted bail.

Therefore, this condition was scrapped in its entirety.

Pheiffer’s bail was extended, and a provisional date was set for July 29. However, the trial dates have been set for November 14, 15 and 29.

Swart confirmed that the accused will undergo an independent psychiatric evaluation at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital once space becomes available.

This follows claims that he allegedly suffers from amnesia and cannot recall the details of the alleged incident.

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