The magistrate was not pleased that the chain statement was not brought to Booysens Magistrate’s Court by the investigating officer (IO) when the murder accused Kleave van Staden appeared on June 21.
The chain statement and report from the Teddy Bear Clinic are still outstanding and this delays the court to set the trial date. The case was postponed to July 7.
“I’m postponing this case for the last time. This is final! The IO needs to bring the chain statement and post-mortem report. It has been six months and nothing has been done. This investigation has been delayed unnecessarily, I’m not satisfied.
“On July 7, I need the IO here or I’ll report him to the provincial office. If he is not available I’ll issue a warrant of arrest. And no doctor’s certificate will be allowed, he must be here,” said the magistrate.
The defence said this postponement infringes the rights of the accused.
“The delays have not been explained to us. However, we heard the doctor is on sick leave. The court must make a ruling because he (accused) is already infringed,” explained the defence lawyer.
The family of Jamillah van Staden said they are happy that the magistrate putting her foot down and the trial will start soon.
Van Staden is accused of murdering his wife Jamillah on January 8 in Forest Hill.
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