PelserTrial: Pathologist confident and unwavering under cross-examination
X-rays proved there was no history of assault
At 10.41am today, Marthinus Pelser entered the court from the court holding cells with his trademark swagger.
When he was asked to stand down for a moment, he irritably shook his head. Five minutes later he returned to the stand.
The cross-examination then started but first pathologist Gina Stewart said she wanted to bring something to the court’s attention. She said that from studying other cases, the laceration of the liver could only have been caused by a high velocity impact.
Day 7: #PelserTrial: Pathologist gives graphic testimony (not for sensitive readers)
The Defence then proceeded with his questioning. One of the questions he asked was whether the mortuary fridge could have affected the state of the body. Stewart answered “Yes”, but said it would positively affect the examination because bruises become clearer. The Defence continued questioning her on the injuries and what could have caused them but without wavering she continued saying that it was respectively blunt force trauma, burning and strangulation.
Stewart also told the Defence that the x-rays proved there was no history of assault and all injuries were inflicted on the day of the child’s death.
Day 6: #PelserTrial: The wait continues
At the end of the Defence’s questioning, Magistrate Delize Smith asked whether the candle, barbell and belt on the crime scene could have caused the respective injuries. Stewart replied “Yes” to all three questions.
The court then adjourned for tea.
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