Murder-accused Marco Schalekamp appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court today, January 20, after his case was postponed for further investigation on October 23, 2025.

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His defence attorney Leendert Viljoen told the court that the team was expecting a postponement, and felt ambushed after the state announced that it would be presenting a new bail cancellation application. The state told the court that the application corresponds with Sections 66, 67 and 68 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which relate to breach of bail conditions.

“This is regrettable and unprofessional of my colleague to announce this without consulting with me first,” Viljoen countered.

He added that the matter could have been resolved outside the court before proceeding with an application. In response, the state explained that it is preferable to deal with matters in court so that they are on the record.

Magistrate Sifiso Mabilane advised the state to allow the defence a brief adjournment for consultation.

After a lunch break, Viljoen asked the court to postpone the case so that Schalekamp’s advocate Piet Pistorius and other legal representatives could prepare for the state’s application, since he is only a correspondent. The state agreed and Mabilane postponed the case to February 4 and 5 to allow the defence to prepare for the hearing.

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Schalekamp stands accused of premeditated murder and attempted murder following the fatal shooting of Pieter Burger and the wounding of Arno van Niekerk near the White River Rugby Club in the early hours of June 5, 2025. Schalekamp himself sustained gunshot wounds in the incident.