Secunda businessman suspected of murdering his wife is released on bail
"Twice before he was arrested, did we offer the investigating officers copies of Dr Klepp's autopsy report, but it was disregarded. This report by a forensic pathologist contradicts the report of a general practitioner," said Mr Viljoen.
SECUNDA – Mr Justin Smith (37), a local businessman who was arrested last week in connection with the death of his wife, was released on bail on Wednesday, 28 October.
Mr Smith was arrested on Friday, 23 October on a charge of murder.
His wife, Bianca (37) died on 12 June. Mr Smith has since relocated to Hartebeespoort.
Sgt Swazi Chapole, investigating officer, testified in the Secunda Magistrate’s Court at the bail hearing that the couple was home alone at their house in Munchen Street when Ms Smith died at about 0.40am.
“Mr Smith stated that his wife was in good health. They were having drinks while being on their computers.”
He claimed to have found his wife dead on the floor.
Sgt Chapole said the case of inquest was changed to murder after the post mortem report indicated asphyxia as the cause of death, which is consistent with strangulation.
She asked the court to consider the violence against women in South Africa.
“Bianca’s family suffered and they want justice for her death,” concluded Sgt Chapole.
Adv Jacques Pienaar on behalf of Mr Smith said his client has no desire to flee, but would rather want to clear his name.
Mr Smith has close family and business ties to Secunda, has a fixed address and is not a flight risk. He claimed that Mr Smith was wrongfully arrested and again referred to the second autopsy done by a renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Patricia Klepp who is convinced that cardiac arrhythmia was the cause of death.
Adv Pienaar reiterated the findings in Dr Klepp’s report that she did not find any bruising in or on the neck.
He said Dr Klepp never received the hyoid, the U-shaped bone of the neck that is fractured in many cases of strangulation.
Mr Mpumi Ntshangase, prosecutor, did not oppose bail.
Magistrate Faith Kekana granted bail of R7 000.
The case was postponed to 1 December.
Mr Hercules Viljoen, lawyer for Mr Smith, said afterward that a grave injustice is being done to his client.
“Twice before he was arrested, did we offer the investigating officers copies of Dr Klepp’s autopsy report, but it was disregarded. This report by a forensic pathologist contradicts the report of a general practitioner,” said Mr Viljoen.
