Murder trial postponed
THE TWO men accused of killing Zara Hector, 34, have to wait three more days before they stand trial.
The trial of Ronaldo van Rooyen, 34, and Tawfeeq Ebrahim, 26, was supposed to have started a week ago but was delayed due to the interpreters’ strike.
Yesterday Western Cape High Court Judge Lister Nuku postponed the matter until Thursday. This is after both the State and the defence team asked for a postponement to allow time for possible plea negotiations.
State advocate Maria Marshall said both parties sought the postponement in terms of Section 105 A. “We would like to see if we can get agreement or a way forward for trial,” she told the court.
Hector, mother of two, was hit five times on the head with a hammer on March 15 last year. Her body was found wrapped in canvas and dumped on a farm in Groot Drakenstein. It is alleged she was on her way to Blackheath to return her boyfriend’s BMW Z3 when the attack occurred.
In court the defence attorney informed Judge Nuku that Van Rooyen was sick and could not wait until lunch when all prisoners are transported to Pollsmoor Prison.
The defence asked that he be transported earlier in order for him not to miss the doctor’s visiting times. Judge Nuku granted Van Rooyen’s request and warned the two accused to return to court. –