Health concerns for Denise Hattingh mount amid murder trial delays
Hattingh’s defence lawyer told the court he has experienced difficulties consulting with his client and as a result the matter was postponed to May 21.
The murder case against former Kempton Park hairdresser Denise Hattingh resumed in the Kempton Park Regional Court on April 17 but was postponed again; this time to May 21.
Hattingh’s defence attorney, Obed Lewete, informed the court he experienced difficulties consulting with his client.
He explained a person had recently approached his office with new information related to the case.
As a result, he required additional time to verify these details and consult further with Hattingh and another complainant before proceeding.
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This follows a series of delays in the matter.
At the previous court appearance on March 27, the magistrate postponed the case for the submission of admissions.
At the time, Lewete told the court he received instructions to submit representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), arguing the case should not be regarded as premeditated murder.
He also stated the defence did not require assessors and noted that Hattingh was unwell.
During Hattingh’s March 4 appearance, the defence submitted representations requesting that she be charged under the minimum sentence of 15 years, rather than the life sentence sought by the State. The defence and prosecution are still awaiting the DPP’s decision.
Hattingh stands accused of the murder of 29-year-old Markus Greeff, killed on May 15, 2024, at a property on West Street in Pomona.
ALSO READ: DENISE HATTINGH: Case can go to trial – Lawyer, Obed Lewete
Police arrested Hattingh the following day, after issuing a search for her in connection with Greeff’s murder.
Siobhan Alfonso, a close friend of Hattingh, spoke to Kempton Express about the toll the ongoing delays have on Hattingh.
“Denise had a bright future ahead of her. She was kind and funny and always helped everyone. To see her behind bars is heart-breaking,” said Alfonso.
She was concerned about Hattingh’s deteriorating health, noting the repeated postponements may prevent her from telling her side of the story.
“Denise is frail, and I want her to speak her truth. But if these delays continue, and she keeps deteriorating, she may never have the chance to speak. At the same time, Markus’ family would not receive the justice they so desperately need.”
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Alfonso described the physical transformation she witnessed in Hattingh during a visit in January.
“In December, I noticed she was losing weight, but it was not alarming.
“By the following month, however, she lost a significant amount of weight and looked very sick. I was concerned about how she was being treated in jail.”
The two have been friends since June 2019, when Hattingh began doing Alfonso’s hair.
She remembers her as shy but hardworking and career-driven, with a ‘cute personality’ and an ‘infectious smile’.
“She never fully opened up about her past, but you could see she had a tough upbringing. Still, she worked hard to become someone she never thought she could.”
Alfonso said she lost contact with Hattingh in late 2023 and only learnt about her incarceration in September, when Kempton Express published an article about the case.
ALSO READ: Denise Hattingh: Case postponed to January 29
After struggling to locate her, Alfonso finally received information from Hattingh’s lawyer following her January court appearance.
“I went to the prison the first Sunday after that, but I could not see her. They requested me to return the following Tuesday. Since then, I visited her about twice a month.”
The conditions inside the correctional facility pleasantly surprised her.
“I was shocked at how well-kept and organised the system is.
“The staff are friendly, helpful, and accommodating. The only challenge is the speaker system; many do not work, but we figured out a way to communicate.”
Hattingh moved to the hospital section of the prison. Alfonso said the head nurse calls her regularly with updates on Hattingh’s health.
ALSO READ: Denise Hattingh: Defence asks for lesser charge
“They look well after her. Baragwanath Hospital has also assisted her with proper medication. Denise is getting stronger and can keep food down.”
Alfonso expressed her disappointment with the delays in the legal process.
“I believe the justice system failed Denise as a young child, and now, with all the postponements, I feel it is unfair to her and the victim.”
Hattingh is expected to appear in court again on May 21.
