Murder case against pensioner from Secunda postponed in Delmas High Court
Phillip O’Neill, a Secunda man accused of murdering his wife Hester O’Neill, appeared in the Delmas High Court on July 17, where the matter was postponed to July 21.
A Secunda man, Phillip O’Neill, accused of murdering his wife Hester O’Neill (49), appeared in the Delmas High Court on July 17.
The matter was postponed to July 21.
The court is awaiting written confirmation from psychiatrists from Weskoppies Hospital that they will place O’Neill on their waiting list for admission and evaluation. He is being evaluated for dementia while on trial.
Hester was murdered on the night of June 1 last year.
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The weapon was a firearm O’Neill obtained while a police reservist at a local police station many years ago.
He never handed it back to the police when he left. The licensed 9mm short Astra firearm and live ammunition were confiscated on the murder scene.
The couple allegedly argued at their home on Brandspruit Street at about 22:35. According to police reports, Hester had told O’Neill she wanted to leave him.
He called Hester’s friend and said, “I shot Hester. You can come and fetch her. Also, bring the police with you.”
Hester was shot in the back of her neck, according to the police report. She was certified dead on the scene.
