A 39-year-old man charged with murder and defeating the ends of justice is due back in the Keimoes Magistrate's Court on 9 November, after the body of a 44-year-old woman was found in a shallow grave on the banks of the Orange River in the Northern Cape. He is presumed innocent unless convicted.
What police and prosecutors say
The woman's body was found at Currieskamp, near Keimoes, on 25 October. She was last seen on 23 October at about 1pm, walking towards the river. The man, from Currieskamp, was arrested on 28 October by Keimoes detectives.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said a T-shirt found buried alongside the woman was allegedly identified as belonging to the accused. The accused has not been convicted of anything, and the allegation has yet to be tested in court.
In court
The man made his first appearance at the Keimoes court on 30 October. "The matter was postponed to November 9 to allow the accused to apply for legal representation from Legal Aid South Africa and for a possible bail application. The State intends to oppose bail, given the seriousness of the charges," Senokoatsane said.
A community group, the Give Light GBVF Foundation, held a march on 30 October and plans a follow-up on 9 November.
What we do not yet know
- The cause and circumstances of the woman's death. No post-mortem findings have been made public.
- The accused's plea, which was not reported.
- Whether he will apply for bail on 9 November, and how the court will rule.
