Zara Hector trial delay frustrates family
ONE OF the accused in the murder of Zara Hector, Renaldo Van Rooyen, was yesterday unfit to stand trial, the Western Cape High Court heard.
State prosecutor Maria Marshall said Van Rooyen was not present in court but a medical note had been received on his behalf.
“Both accused are not present. Accused number one, Van Rooyen, was seen by the district surgeon at Pollsmoor Prison. He was given a Voltaren injection this morning and is not ft to attend proceedings today,” she said.
Voltaren is often used to treat massive spasms and tension headaches.
On the absence of the second accused, Marshall said: “The State doesn’t know why accused number two, Tawfeeq Ebrahim, is not here. Police say he did not respond to his name when called in prison.”
Outside the court, family and supporters of the deceased mother-of-two circled around Marshall, questioning her on the delays. Hector’s aunt, Melanie Colli, said the family was growing frustrated.
“The whole point of these court proceedings is for us to get closure. Every day we are here, there is something new which must delay the case. Accused number one is constantly claiming illness or something else.
“And, yes, we understand the State’s explanation of wanting to give a fair trial, but this is not on. We are taking time off work to rally and give support, as well as to follow proceedings.
“However, these accused are delaying things,” said Colli.
Van Rooyen, 34, and Ebrahim, 26, are accused of bashing 33-year-old Hector five times on the head with a hammer on March 15, 2016 and dumping her body, which was found wrapped in canvas on a farm in Groot Drakenstein, Paarl.
The trial continues today. –