Marthinus Pelser, who was taken into custody on Wednesday after an intensive five-day manhunt by the Police, appeared briefly in the Roodepoort Magistrates Court today.
Pelser was arrested by Honeydew Police for questioning in regards to the death of his 6-month-old son, Deon.
Inside the court, no family members or friends of either Pelser or his wife could be seen. Pelser was summoned from the holding cells below the courtroom. The court clerk called out, “Marthinus Pelser”, after which he answered, “Yup”.
The barefooted Pelser walked up the steps into the courtroom dressed in a red Link jacket and shorts.
Magistrate Veena Crishna addressed Pelser and explained that he had the right to legal representation or that the court could appoint one to him. Pelser sounded confident when he asked for legal aid.
The state prosecutor explained to Magistrate Veena Crishna that Pelser assaulted his son and then left in a vehicle.
Chrishna asked the prosecutor if Pelser used a weapon during the assault. The prosecutor could neither confirm or deny this.
The magistrate then asked the State what their opinion was in regards to bail. The state prosecutor said that they are opposed to bail, due to the fact that it was a Schedule 5 offense.
Crishna explained to Pelser because it is a schedule five offense and due to the serious nature of a formal bail application he should get legal advice.
Throughout Pelser’s brief appearance, he remained strangely calm and stared at the floor.
Pelser’s next appearance will be on 22 June for the formal bail application at Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court.
