Pelser trial to commence tomorrow
Handwriting analysis result will be revealed during the trial.
Approximately one year and three months after 23-year-old Marthinus Pelser was arrested for the alleged murder of his six-month-old baby boy, Deon, his trial will finally commence tomorrow (21 September).
Multiple postponements by Pelser’s defence teams frustrated not only the public and the prosecution but eventually also presiding Magistrate Delize Smith. Pelser’s defence teams also changed four times – initially he was granted legal aid but then he was represented by a private advocate. Thereafter he was represented by an advocate from legal aid who withdrew from the case, and tomorrow he will be represented by another legal aid advocate.
During his bail application, which was denied, there was a glimpse into the horrific and tragic details surrounding the case. It is uncertain what Pelser’s defence will be. It is believed that the handwriting analysis will be a big card up the State’s sleeve. The results of the analysis of a note in a book that was found on the scene, saying “don’t look in the cot”, and the identity of the person who wrote it, have yet to be revealed.
Read the initial article here: Man wanted for questioning in connection with baby’s death
Following Deon’s brutal death, Ronel Hayes founded the Justice for Baby Deon support group, and later The Deon Rothman Foundation. The foundation will be assisting and supporting abused women and children.
On 11 June 2016 the boy’s mother, Bianca, came home from work and found the baby murdered in his cot. An autopsy later revealed he had been burned with boiling water and suffered blunt-force trauma. By the time Bianca discovered her baby’s body, Pelser had already fled in her car, but was arrested five days later when a member of the public spotted the abandoned vehicle opposite Clearwater Mall.
Also Read: ‘Never push a man to violence’ says father’s Facebook post
The Record has covered every court appearance of Pelser and will continue to do so during the trial. Readers can follow the trial on Twitter with blow-by-blow accounts of what is unfolding in court. Also keep an eye on the Record’s website.
The Deon Rothman Foundation has appealed to the public to come to the court proceedings to support the Rothman family. Both baby Deon’s mother, Bianca, and grandmother, Linda, will be called as witnesses. The trial will take place in Court K at the Roodepoort Regional Court. Proceedings start at about 9.30am. The dates are 21, 22, 26, 27 and 28 September, as well as 4 and 5 October.
Also Read: Father allegedly attempted suicide
Assessors will assist Smith in preparing her judgement and sentencing.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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