Phillip O’Neill, a man from Secunda in Mpumalanga, recently appeared in court on charges of murdering his wife, Hester O’Neill (49), in June last year.

O’Neill remains in custody as he is set to undergo psychiatric evaluation in Weskoppies Hospital. He will remain behind bars while he is on a waiting list to be admitted.

It is said that he will be evaluated for dementia.

Ridge Times previously reported that an argument allegedly ensued between the couple at their home in Secunda at about 22:35 on June 1 last year.

At the time, police reports stated that Hester had allegedly told Phillip she wanted to leave him. The reports further stated that she was shot in the back of her neck. She was later certified dead on the scene.

A 9mm short Astra firearm licensed in Phillip’s name and live ammunition were allegedly confiscated from the scene.

The case against O’Neill will continue in court on August 21.