Chevonne Rusch murder – case postponed to allow for indictment preparations

The murder case of Chevonne Rusch has been postponed as investigations and preparations for an indictment continue.

The case, which was heard in Germiston Magistrate’s Court on November 9, was postponed until January 19.

Also read: Murder case of Chevonne Rusch to proceed to High Court

This comes after the state requested more time be given for medical reports to be completed to finalise the indictment for the high court.

Rochelle Botha, the mother of the two-year-old girl, made her fourth appearance while Cornelius Stefan van Niekerk made his fifth appearance.

Also read: Chevonne Rusch: Botha joins van Niekerk in abandoning bail

Accused number one, Van Niekerk, faces charges of murder while accused number two, Botha, faces charges of murder of a minor, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and rape of a minor.

They appeared together for the second time in the dock of D court.

On September 13, the accused were informed that once investigations are complete an indictment would be prepared by the director of public prosecutions.

Also read: More charges against mother of girl (2) murdered in Klopperpark

Reports that the prosecution still needs include the DNA, pathology and toxicology results.

Although no objection was made regarding the postponement of the case, the defence gave notice of Section 342A in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act stating that it had been on the roll since May.

Also read: Murder accused abandons bail application

Section 342A allows criminal courts to conduct investigations into delays in criminal proceedings. It further provides for several factors that a court must consider in determining whether such delays are unreasonable.

The magistrate made note of the defence’s Section 342A request for an inquiry into the outstanding investigations.

Following the postponement, the accused will remain in police custody.