Mondeor pool hall murder case delayed by missing evidence, absent lawyer
The Magistrate expressed concern over incompetent police investigations following the fatal stabbing of a teenager at the Ballbreakers pool hall.
An 18-year-old is facing a murder charge after allegedly fatally stabbing another teenager, also 18, at the Ballbreakers pool hall in Mondeor on April 5.
The accused appeared in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on July 30.
Magistrate Habib voiced concern over the lack of progress in the investigation, specifically pointing out that the investigating officer (IO) from Mondeor SAPS has yet to submit the chain of evidence.
“As I said at the previous appearance, if the IO is given too much time, this can happen. I need an explanation as to why, in three months, the chain evidence has not been provided,” said Habib.
Adding to the delays, the accused’s legal representative, Advocate Lisha, has failed to appear in court on three separate occasions. At the latest appearance, Lisha communicated with the prosecution via WhatsApp to request a postponement. Magistrate Habib expressed frustration over the repeated absence.
“The evidence is not in order in this case. According to the prosecution, the post-mortem report is in order, yet the chain evidence still needs to be compiled. I am forced to postpone, as the evidence is incomplete and there is no defence attorney present,” said Habib.
The accused’s bail was extended, and the case was postponed to September 3.
ALSO READ: Teen (18) faces murder charges after Mondeor stabbing
