NELSPRUIT – The trial of the man accused of allegedly trying to inject his ex-girlfriend with his blood was reopened last week, after the state and prosecution had closed their cases. Final arguments were supposed to be heard on Thursday, but the state applied for the case to be reopened as new evidence had become available.
Mr Lismore Basson stands accused of assault after allegedly stabbing Ms Iris da Silva in the arm with a syringe at her place of work on February 1. Afterwards, Da Silva said she went to hospital, where a J88 form was completed. This is a medical report completed on injuries sustained during any assault. Last week, the state applied for permission to submit this as evidence.
The trial began in the Nelspruit Regional Court on August 19. Basson pleaded not guilty to the charge. The state had three witnesses who testified against him.
Last week, the defence strongly objected against reopening the case to admit the new evidence. However, magistrate Mr NK Makhaya ruled that this be allowed because the form was not available due to a lack of cooperation from the police.
“The reasons given by the state are clear. In the interest of justice, the court will allow the case to be reopened.” He ruled that a copy of the J88 be made available to the defence to enable it to prepare. The trial is to continue on September 13.
