James Gibson (29) appeared in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court yesterday (July 23) in connection with the alleged murder of his mother, Celeste Antiga (57), reports Southern Courier.

Appearing before Magistrate Habib in Court 1, Gibson told the court that he wanted to plead guilty to the murder charge, saying he did not want to waste the court’s time.

The magistrate explained that the matter could not proceed without a full police investigation.

Habib informed Gibson that the charge falls under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act and, if convicted, he could face life imprisonment.

After the court explained the legal process, Gibson opted to apply to Legal Aid South Africa for representation. He also abandoned his bail application, stating that he did not have a fixed residential address.

Formal confession instructed

As part of the investigation, the magistrate instructed that police arrange for Gibson to appear before a magistrate should he wish to make a formal confession.

The matter was postponed to August 31 for further investigation.

Fatal home assault

According to police, the incident occurred at about 19:10 on July 14 at a home in Blouklip Avenue, Bassonia, where Antiga was found unconscious in a pool of blood.

She sustained severe injuries to her upper body and was rushed to hospital. Despite medical treatment, she died from her injuries on July 15.

Following the incident, Gibson allegedly fled the scene and remained on the run for several days before being arrested on July 21.

He was apprehended and detained at Mondeor SAPS before making his first court appearance.

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