The trial against Christian (Mike) Pheiffer was again postponed yesterday (September 30).

The matter was set to continue in the Benoni Regional Court, on September 25, but was postponed due to Pheiffer’s defence counsel, Daniel Schoeman not being available.

According to information presented before Magistrate Ian Cox, Schoeman had incorrectly diarised the accused’s appearance.

The State prosecutor, Anton Swart, requested that the matter be postponed to Tuesday.

Speaking on behalf of Schoeman, a representative of his office apologised for the inconvenience caused to the court.

She said the defence is still waiting for the outcome from the High Court about the submission of an application to gain access to personal notes taken by medical professionals at the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, where Pheiffer 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 his clinical records available to the court.

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

On June 30, Schoeman again requested that personal notes be made available.

The application was again denied, but Cox granted the defence the opportunity to approach a higher court.

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

Pheiffer’s bail was extended with the next court date set to take place on January 14.

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