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

Lowvelder reports his defence attorney Leendert Viljoen told the court the team was expecting a postponement and felt ambushed after the state announced it would present a new bail cancellation application. The state told the court the application corresponds with Sections 66, 67 and 68 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, 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 the matter could have been resolved outside court before proceeding with an application. In response, the state explained it is preferable to deal with matters in court so they are on the record.

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

Postponement granted

After a lunch break, Viljoen asked the court to postpone the case so Schalekamp’s advocate, Piet Pistorius, and other legal representatives could prepare for the state’s application, as 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.

Charges

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.

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