ALBERTON – On April 16, Magistrate Mrs Singh said that state advocate Marlie van Heerden was not trial ready, since she only had a few hours to liaise with the family of Owein Lombard as well as the defence attorneys after taking over from state prosecutor Johan Olivier.
Two days were set to go ahead with the trial on a previous court case, however all activities were stopped, since an eyewitness, who now resides in Australia, did not agree to testifying via video conferencing.
It was expected that the trial would proceed on April 16, but nothing happened while the court was full. A provisional court date has been set for August 4 to ensure state readiness. If the state is ready, according to Magistrate Singh, two minors (the children of Tersia, Owein Lombard’s wife), an eyewitness and two police officials will testify.
There will also be a doctor who will present evidence.
Magistrate Singh excused the accused, Michael Julian Sinequan, to appear at the provisional court date as his attorney said that it was costing him about R6 000 in travel expenses, residing in Durban and having to pay for accommodation etc.
Michael Julian Sinequan’s attorney told magistrate Singh that they have been ready for trial since January, and thought that they could possibly finish the trial in two days.
If all goes well, the trial will take place on September 15, 16 and 17 at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Regional Court 6. The state is also hoping that the eyewitness in Australia will agree to testify via the video conference or be present at the trial.
