Crime NewsUpdate

#Marthinus Pelser back in court

Supporters in shock as they hear of the injuries

September 16, 2016

Riaan van Zyl 2 minutes read

Marthinus Pelser at the Roodepoort Magistrate's court. Photo: Michelle Swart.

The bail application hearing for 22-year-old Marthinus Pelser is under way and a Record journalist is tweeting live from court.

The proceedings were adjourned for a short break a little while ago, but here is what has happened so far:

Court adjourned for a short break
Reason for the copies: So we can make progress in this case
Magistrate asking them to make copies of the statement and show them to the defence
Supporters in shock as they hear of the injuries
Cause of death is multiple blunt force injuries
White baby with multiple fractures and rib injuries
State: Read the first page of post-mortem
State moving on to post-mortem
IO: Body of the baby facing downwards with bruises on it
Next image: IO: On the baby’s back there are bruises
The skin was removed from baby’s face
IO: Face of the baby facing upwards with wounds on it
IO: I saw a photo of a baby sleeping on his side with scars on the face, neck and back
State: What have you seen in the pictures?
Magistrate will allow State’s question
Defence objects on grounds that he could not cross-examine on the pictures
State: Were any pictures taken?
State taking over cross-questioning
IO: I am not the author of the document. Defence standing down
State objecting that accused’s attorney is repeating himself
Supporters showing anger at the attorney’s cross-questioning
Attorney: Then you cannot testify about it
IO: I did not write the document
Attorney: Sir you did not write the information on the document
Attorney: You are not the author of the document; you do not know where it came from
Petition being brought before the court
Attorney asking to see the petition
Attorney: You cannot give numbers because you did not open the Facebook page
Accused’s Attorney: Lady sitting in court was the author of Baby Deon Facebook page
Attorney: How many people signed the petition, do you know Facebook?
Petition to deny bail being mentioned once again
IO: The community showing anger towards the accused
IO: He could not tell him that because he was in custody
Attorney: Has the accused ever told the Investigating Officer his life might be at risk?
IO: The accused’s life and that of his ex would be at risk should he be released
IO: No, as the safety of the accused is his concern
If the court confined accused at a certain address would it be suitable?
Statement made by the accused’s wife is evidence but there was no doctor
Accused’s ex-wife told investigating officer the accused has assaulted her before statement
Pelser was not seen by a medical doctor concerning these wounds
Showing he might be a danger to himself
Investigating officer (IO) does not support bail because the accused had cuts on his wrist & neck