UPDATE: Charges withdrawn in Paul Geldenhuys case
The assault grievous bodily harm case that resulted after Paul Geldenhuys was assaulted in Haenertsburg was heard in the Haenertsburg Periodical Court on Tuesday.
POLOKWANE – The magistrate unapologetically arrived two hours late at the Haenertsburg Periodical Court on Tuesday. The assault grievous bodily harm case that resulted after Paul Geldenhuys was assaulted in Haenertsburg was up first.
The prosecution indicated to the court that the charges be provisionally withdrawn as the state is still awaiting the decision of the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) on the charges to be pursued.
The defence opposed the withdrawal of the charges.
The court upheld the defence’s argument and ordered that the matter be struck off the roll and that if the state pursues the charges at a later date the accused be summonsed to stand trial and not be arrested.
The incident happened more than a year ago and there have already been eight court postponements.
Morris Pogrund, a Polokwane lawyer for the accused, indicated that there’s been an unreasonable delay in bringing the matter to trial.
This is against the interests and rights of the accused.
The reason for the court’s decision was due to the fact that the investigating officer, who should have been present, was not there as he was attending to a matter in Mankweng.
Also, the dental docket has not yet been obtained and submitted to the court.
The case refers to an incident that occurred outside the Iron Crown Pub and Bistro on the night of Friday 4 March 2016.
Geldenhuys (35) from Haenertsburg was assaulted that night and died 18 days later on 22 March.
Read more:
Geldenhuys assault: case postponed
2 appear in court after brutal assault of Paul Geldenhuys
Man dies after Haenertsburg pub assault
