Pretoria: Menlyn Maine bomb threat accused sent for psychiatric evaluation
Ekhardt Albertus Mostert, who is a former Scorpion investigator, initially told the court he would conduct his defence but has since appointed an attorney to represent him.
A 50-year old man who threatened to blow up an Absa bank in Menlyn Maine will be sent for psychiatric evaluation, Rekord East reports.
Mostert was arrested more than a week ago after he entered a bank at the shopping centre and handed a note over to a teller containing a threat that there was a bomb planted inside the bank.
He allegedly requested a large sum of money or he would blow up the bank.
Mostert, who is a former Scorpion investigator, initially told the court he would conduct his defence but has since appointed an attorney to represent him.
State prosecutor Kagisho Rancho asked that he be taken for psychiatric evaluation as a report by the district surgeon said Mostert was once treated for various mental health issues, including depression and psychosis.
It was found that there was a history of mental illness in Mostert’s family and that he was suicidal and showed signs of depression.
The district surgeon recommended that he undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Rancho said Mostert would be sent to the Weskoppies psychiatric hospital west of Pretoria once a date had been finalised.
The assessment, however, stated that Mostert was able to understand the seriousness of the offences to which he indicated he would plead guilty.
It also indicated that he would be able to follow court proceedings; was able to give details of the day of the incident; understood the implications of a possible conviction.
“The accused person has insight and will be able to follow a court case, but there is a history of psychosis, PTSD and suicidal thoughts,” he said.
If found guilty, Mostert could face life imprisonment.
He faces charges of attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances, terrorism and contravention of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorism and Related Activities Act.
On the day of the alleged incident, the shopping centre had to be evacuated. The police bomb disposal and K9 units were called out to inspect a device which was found.
Mostert was arrested inside the bank.
The case was postponed to 27 November.
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