Mulbarton restaurant murder case: Postponed for continuation of evidence
Daniel Rowland’s trial sees further delays after his new defence advocate fails to come on record and the prosecutor goes on leave.
Daniel Rowland, accused of murder and drug possession following a 2021 shooting at Il Camino restaurant in Mulbarton, made an early appearance at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on June 13.
Although the case was originally set to return on June 18, it was brought forward due to the absence of both the new defence attorney, Christo Meiring, who is ill, and the prosecuting attorney, Mr Israel, who is on leave.
The case, delayed multiple times over the past four years, faced its latest postponement as Advocate Meiring had not yet officially come on record.
Magistrate Habib requested a formal letter from Meiring explaining his absence and future intentions.
“This case was ready for trial, and witnesses have already testified. By June 18, Advocate Meiring was expected to come on record,” said Habib.
Advocate Mayat, who remains on record for Rowland, urged the court to proceed. “Advocate Meiring intends to continue cross-examining Miss Groenewald, the last witness. The trial should continue so we can bring this matter to a close.”
Habib instructed that the defence communicate with the prosecution to ensure all necessary documents and evidence are in order, including Meiring’s admissions and a list of witnesses who need to be subpoenaed.
The case has been postponed to July 25 for a pretrial conference, preferably to be held in court.
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