State awaits forensic reports in Bassonia mother’s murder case

James Gibson (29), accused of murdering his mother, Celeste Antiga (57), appeared in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on October 29, where his case was postponed to November 30.

Gibson faces a Schedule 6 murder charge, as well as two additional charges relating to a separate matter: assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and contravening a domestic violence protection order.

The court withdrew the two additional charges from the district court proceedings, with the matters set to be joined to the alleged murder case.

In the murder investigation, police are still awaiting the crime-scene photographic album and post-mortem report, which form part of the outstanding documentation required by the State.

Gibson is also awaiting a psychiatric assessment in connection with the additional charges. He is currently number 80 on the waiting list for bed allocation at a suitable assessment facility.

Alleged murder

Gibson is accused of killing Antiga, who died from injuries allegedly sustained at her Bassonia home.

According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 19:10 on July 14 at a residence in Blouklip Avenue, Bassonia.

Antiga was allegedly found unconscious in a pool of blood, with severe injuries to her upper body.

She was rushed to hospital for medical treatment but succumbed to her injuries the following day, July 15.

Gibson allegedly fled the scene and remained at large for several days before police arrested him on July 21. He was subsequently detained at Mondeor Police Station.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Antiga’s death is ongoing, with the outstanding forensic documentation expected to form part of the State’s case.

Gibson remains in custody and is expected to return to the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on November 30.

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