Judge admonishes defence in trial of slain mom

JUDGE Lister Nuku reprimanded the defence team in the Kuilsrivier mom Zara Hector’s murder trial after the matter was delayed until next year in the Western Cape High Court.

Both the State and defence were supposed to make their heads of arguments, yesterday.

But the defence indicated that they still needed time to consult with experts.

“This matter was supposed to have been finalised a long time ago. I know it is taking longer than anticipated,” the judge said.

Prosecutor Maria Marshall told the court that the State was ready to proceed.

She said she was ready to call two witnesses – fingerprint and DNA experts.

“The defence wants to consult their own experts. They want to do their own testing of the DNA and fingerprint samples.

“As the State, we feel it is fair for the witnesses to be called after the defence has consulted their experts, as the matter could be delayed further,” said Marshall.

Judge Nuku granted a postponement until February 26.

None of the parties in the matter were happy with the postponement.

The victim’s brother, Brendon, said he did not understand why the defence wanted to delay the case yet again.

Renaldo van Rooyen and Tawfeeq Ebrahim are accused of bludgeoning Hector five times on the head with a hammer on March 15, 2016. Her body was found wrapped in canvas and dumped on a farm.