The trial against Christian (Mike) Pheiffer was once again postponed today (July 31).

The matter was to be heard in the Benoni Regional Court. Due to the presiding officer, Magistrate Ian Cox, reportedly being unavailable, it was postponed.

Pheiffer, who is out on bail, is accused of attacking his then-wife with an axe at their Farrarmere home on September 23, 2021.

A charge of attempted murder was brought against him

During today’s proceedings, Pheiffer’s defence counsel, Daniel Schoeman, told the court that he had applied to the High Court to gain access to personal notes taken by medical professionals at the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, where his client was admitted for an independent psychiatric evaluation last year.

At the time, it was alleged that Pheiffer was suffering from amnesia and could not recall the details of the incident.

On May 12, following the testimony of a psychiatrist assigned to Pheiffer during the evaluation period, Schoeman requested that an order be submitted to the hospital to make the entirety of Pheiffer’s clinical records available to the court.

Cox granted the order but ruled that all personal notes made by attending professionals must be excluded.

During the June 30 sitting, Schoeman again requested that personal notes be made available to the court.

Cox again denied the request but granted the defence the opportunity to approach a higher court.

Pheiffer’s bail was extended with the next court date set to take place on September 25.

ALSO READ: FOLLOW-UP: Defence requests postponement in Pheiffer case

ALSO READ: FOLLOW-UP: Court postpones Pheiffer’s trial