The case against the Alberton murder-accused couple, Werner Jack Schoeman (accused one) and Delichia Bekker (accused two), returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Alberton Record reports the pair is accused of involvement in the murder of Susan Gillian Murray, who lived in Verwoerdpark, Alberton, at the time of her death and was found dumped in Alberton North in November 2023.

Schoeman and Bekker face charges including murder, fraud and theft. Bekker, Murray’s daughter, is accused of involvement in her mother’s death and was arrested days before Schoeman, who was caught hiding in South Hills.

Delay over mental health concerns

On Friday, the court proceedings hit a snag. Bekker (accused two) told the court that she could not testify as expected because she had not received her depression and anxiety medication.

This time, she added that she needs psychological support before taking the stand. Presiding magistrate Isabella Mlaba was visibly unhappy with the delay in Bekker’s testimony.

Mlaba had granted a postponement on Wednesday to allow Bekker to obtain her medication in prison. “I suffer from depression and anxiety, so I am nervous. I also don’t do very well when I have to speak in public. I am a little bit anxious. The prison hasn’t given me my anxiety pills,” Bekker told the court on Wednesday. She was expected to testify on Friday.

“Defence, I’m concerned (delayed testimony). The court has to be made aware of her (Bekker) fitness to proceed at the earliest available date after she has consulted with a psychologist,” said Magistrate Mlaba.

Next court steps

The defence told the court that Bekker would see a psychologist from prison on either Wednesday or Thursday.

The court is expected to get feedback on Bekker’s psychological consultation next Friday.

Both accused will return to court next Friday, and they were remanded to custody.

Watch a video of the latest court appearance:

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