Marthinus Pelser, who is standing trial for the murder of his six-month-old son, will have to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court again on 31 August.
The presiding magistrate, Delize Smith, said today (28 July) that the autopsy report is still outstanding.
Pelser was wearing a black jacket with denim pants, and short shaved hair at today’s very brief appearance.
Pelser’s divorce was finalised yesterday (27 July) after he was served with divorce papers on 21 June.
Here is a short recap of how the events unfolded:
• The baby’s mother returned from work on the evening of 11 June and found the baby dead in his cot. He allegedly suffered a fractured skull, broken bones and burns.
• Before she could ask her husband what had happened, he fled in her vehicle.
• The community was shocked by a Facebook post Pelser made the night before the baby’s death. It read “Do not push a man to violence, who has been looking for an excuse to use it”.
• Detectives worked tirelessly around the clock, following up leads after appealing to the public for help.
• After five days on the run, Pelser’s vehicle was spotted by Nicoli Roscher on the side of Christiaan de Wet Road in Constantia Kloof. Minutes later, she saw Pelser in Wilhelmina Avenue. Roscher, a Record journalist, and the police rushed to the scene. A barefoot Pelser, wearing only a windbreaker and shorts was arrested.
• On Friday 17 June, Pelser made his first court appearance in front of Magistrate Veena Khrishna, still wearing the same clothes. After the prosecutor explained what had happened on the fateful evening, the magistrate informed Pelser of his legal options. She also sternly warned him of the seriousness of a bail application and said that he should consult with his legal team once appointed. Pelser asked for state-appointed representation.
• After his appearance, he was taken to the Krugersdorp Correctional Facility.
• On 21 June, the baby was cremated.
• Pelser appeared before Magistrate Delize Smith on 22 June. She postponed the case until 28 July, pending the results of the autopsy on the baby.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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