Psychiatrist says murder accused fit to stand trial

ONE of the men accused of killing Stellenbosch University graduate Carl Schoombie has been found fit to stand trial, it emerged in the Western Cape High Court yesterday.

Although a formal psychiatric report setting out the details of the evaluation of Juanne Jacobs was not ready to be submitted yesterday, his attorney told Judge Robert Henney private psychiatrist Tuviah Zabow had determined his client was mentally fit to stand trial.

It is the State’s case that Jacobs and his co-accused, Brent Henry, followed Schoombie and three friends after they left Tiger Tiger nightclub in Claremont in an uber taxi in November last year.

When they arrived in Rondebosch, the men allegedly pulled Schoombie out of the taxi and beat him up.

Schoombie, 27, was admitted to hospital in a coma, but died of head injuries a few days later.

Henry was arrested shortly after the murder and Jacobs was arrested in Joburg in February this year.

The pair have been charged with murder.

Henry is out on R1 000 bail but Jacobs abandoned his application.

Schoombie’s death received widespread attention in the media. His brother Lee set up a Facebook page, called Justice for Carl.

The trial was supposed to start next week, but was delayed so Jacobs could be assessed by a psychiatrist while in prison.

In court yesterday Judge Henney heard the case was ready for trial.

A trial date was set for February 17. fatima.schroeder@inl.co.za

Carl Schoombie