Bassonia man accused of mother’s murder again tells court he wants to plead guilty
James Gibson (29) remains in custody after telling the Booysens Magistrate's Court he wants to plead guilty, as the case was postponed pending outstanding forensic reports and further investigation.
James Gibson (29) appeared in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on August 31 in connection with the alleged murder of his mother, Celeste Antiga (57).
Gibson appeared before Magistrate Habib in Court 1, where the court heard that the investigation is still outstanding, with the post-mortem report, photo album and chain statement yet to be finalised.
He faces a Schedule 6 murder charge following the death of Antiga, who succumbed to injuries sustained at her Bassonia home.
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During the proceedings, Gibson again told the court that he wanted to plead guilty to the murder charge. However, Magistrate Habib explained that there is a procedure that must be followed before a formal guilty plea can be entered.
Habib instructed the State to expedite the process to allow Gibson to follow the formal plea procedure.
The matter was postponed to September 29 for further investigation.
According to police, the incident occurred at about 19:10 on July 14 at a home in Blouklip Avenue, Bassonia.
Antiga was found unconscious in a pool of blood after allegedly sustaining severe injuries to her upper body.
She was rushed to hospital for medical treatment but died from her injuries the following day, July 15.
Following the incident, Gibson allegedly fled the scene and remained on the run for several days.
Police arrested him on July 21. He was taken into custody and detained at Mondeor SAPS.
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The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Antiga’s death is continuing, with the outstanding documentation expected to form part of the case against Gibson.
Gibson remains in custody and is expected to return to the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on September 29.
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