‘Killer’ claims amnesia
SUSPECT DENIES KNOWLEDGE OF MURDERING HIS TEEN VICTIM Mental evaluation report suggests suspect undergo psychiatric observation.
The man who handed himself over to police for the murder of Pretoria North teenager, Anika Smit, six years ago allegedly has no memory of the incident.
A district surgeon asked to evaluate the mental status of Andre “Smiley” van Wyk, 24, in a report said the suspect had understood the seriousness of the charges he faced.
But the report went on to say Van Wyk could not describe what had happened during the incident, as he had amnesia about it.
The suspect had also denied having any delusions or hallucinations.
According to the district surgeon, Van Wyk only completed his schooling up to Grade 11, and did not complete his studies at college.
He said Van Wyk looked very calm, showing no emotion; had never been treated for any psychiatric illness; but did use alcohol.
The district surgeon then recommended that Van Wyk be sent for proper observation at a psychiatric institute.
Pretoria North magistrate Pierre Wessels referred Van Wyk to the Weskoppies psychiatric hospital in the area for mental observation.
He also ordered that Van Wyk be held at the hospital section of the Kgosi Mampuru II prison in Pretoria.
Prosecutor Tania Carstens said it would be better for Van Wyk to be incarcerated in the hospital section of the prison for his own safety, as there would be immediate medical help available in case something happened or he did something without possibly realising the consequences.
Van Wyk had been charged with murdering, raping and mutilating the body of 17-year-old Anika in March 2010.
The schoolgirl’s father discovered her naked body in their home in Theresa Park, Pretoria. She had been sexually violated, had several stab wounds and her hands had been chopped off and removed from the scene.
Van Wyk’s advocate, Corrie Nieuwenhuys, said he had instructions not to apply for bail at this stage and agreed it would be in his client’s interest to be re- ferred for mental observation to determine if he could be held accountable for his actions.
Van Wyk’s attorney, Latham Dixon, told reporters he had received instructions from his client. There were allegations the legal team wanted to consult third parties who were named.
He said his client’s mood was good, but agreed it would be best for Van Wyk to be held in the hospital section of the prison while waiting for a bed at the Weskoppies psychiatric hospital. –