Pelser – new trial date set
The 23-year-old stands accused of having murdered his six-month-old baby.
Once again the trial date of the Marthinus Pelser case, in which the 23-year-old stands accused of having murdered his six-month-old baby, Deon in June last year, has been moved.
But this time it is not at the request of his new legal aid defence team but rather because of the fact that the assessors are not available on the original dates. The trial was set to run from 11 to 14 September and again on 21 September, but the assessors are not available between 11 and 14 September. Pelser’s previous legal team requested the assessors. The dates for the trial have now been set at 21 and 28 September, and 4 and 5 October.
But what is the role of an assessor?
Two assessors are usually appointed based on their expertise in a specific field. Assessors are only requested in very serious or complicated cases. The assessors will listen to the evidence and then give their input to the judge/ magistrate before judgement is handed down. They have a vote equal to the judge’s/ magistrate’s, which means they can actually outvote the judge. They effectively replace a jury in our justice system.
Also Read: State to analyse Pelser’s handwriting
History of the case:
• The baby’s mother returns from work on the evening of 11 June 2016 and finds the boy dead in his cot. He allegedly suffered a fractured skull, broken bones and burns.
• Before she can ask Pelser what happened he flees in her vehicle.
• The community is shocked by a Facebook post by Pelser on the night before the baby’s death that reads “Do not push a man to violence, who has been looking for an excuse to use it”.
• Detectives tirelessly work around the clock following up leads after appealing to the public for help.
• After five days on the run Pelser’s vehicle is spotted by a resident, Nicoli Roscher, on the side of Christiaan de Wet Road. Minutes later she sees Pelser on Wilhelmina Avenue. Roscher, a Roodepoort Record journalist and the police rush to the scene. A barefoot Pelser, wearing only a windbreaker and shorts is arrested.
• On Friday 19 June 2016 Pelser makes his first court appearance in front of Magistrate Veena Khrishna, still wearing the same clothes he was arrested in. After the prosecutor explained what had happened on the fateful evening, she informs him of his legal options. She also sternly warns him of the seriousness of a bail application and that he should consult with his legal team once appointed. Pelser asks for state-appointed representation.
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