Mental evaluation for murder accused

JOHANNES Andreas van Wyk, the man suspected of murdering Pretoria teenager Anika Smit, will have to wait another month before deciding whether to formally apply for bail.

He appeared in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court yesterday, but the matter was postponed to October 25 to afford him an opportunity to undergo psychiatric evaluation.

Prosecutor Tania Carstens said the State was awaiting a bed at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital.

Van Wyk, 24, stands accused of murder, rape and mutilation.

His team applied for him to be referred to a district surgeon, but later recommended he undergo psychiatric evaluation.

His lawyer, advocate Latham Dixon, said they would await the outcome of the mental evaluation before proceeding with a bail application.

Van Wyk’s defence also asked for him to be kept in a holding cell at Pretoria North police station, but this was turned down.

He will remain in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.

Van Wyk was arrested on September 7 after he approached the police, claiming to have information that would help clarify the mystery surrounding the teen’s murder.

Anika, 17, was found dead in her father’s Theresa Park home on March 10, 2010. Her throat had been slit, she had been sexually assaulted and her hands were cut off.

An inquest instituted in 2014 has but been postponed in view of the criminal proceedings.