Marthinus Pelser (Ruan) is still waiting to find out whether or not he will be awarded bail. He is on trial for the death of his six-month-old son, Deon.
Pelser appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court again on 10 October, with his family present in the public gallery. Magistrate John Baloi told the court early on that, based on the evidence, this is indeed a Schedule 6 offence as the father chose to flee rather than help the child or assist the mother to do so.
Pelser’s legal team is seeking bail on the grounds that he will be taken to his family in Swartruggens and, therefore, would not be in contact with the baby’s mother, who is the main witness in this case.
Deon’s mother’s affidavit previously stated that she was abused by Pelser. His legal representative argued that if this is the case, she should have reported it to the police. He further said that Pelser needs to be awarded bail as he is young, has a family and has the right to freedom. “Even Oscar Pistorius were awarded bail.”
In their argument, Pelser’s legal team said that the petition calling for Pelser to be denied bail, which was drawn up by Ronel Hayes, did not mean much, as the petitioners are not before the court.
The State argued that the baby was left in the care of Pelser, who had enough time to abuse him. “The degree of violence is clear,” the State prosecutor said.
The case has been postponed to 17 October for Magistrate Baloi to make his decision on whether or not Pelser will be awarded bail.
Related articles:
