Serial killer for observation

2003-09-22 17:00

Durban - Western Cape man Jonathan Roman, who allegedly told police he had killed 37 women, is to be sent to the Midlands Hospital Complex in Pietermaritzburg for psychiatric observation.

Appearing in the magistrate's court in Durban on Monday before magistrate Bilquish Asmal, Roman was quiet and shifted his eyes around the court room.

Roman was arrested after he allegedly told his employer that he had killed several women, mostly prostitutes, in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg over the past four years. However, he currently faces a single murder charge relating to the body of a prostitute found on Durban's Battery Beach in July. The victim still has not been identified.

Asmal remanded Roman, who is from Delft in the Western Cape, in custody until September 30. In the meantime, arrangements were being made for him to be admitted to the psychiatric hospital for observation.

State prosecutor Innocent Ntombela told the court an examination of Roman's mental state was necessary to determine whether he understood the court proceedings, and also to ascertain whether he accepted the wrongfulness of the action he stands accused of.

Ntombela said two district surgeons recommended Roman be sent for mental observation. He will be sent for a 30-day observation period after which a decision will be taken on whether to proceed with charges against him.

Roman arrived in Durban three months ago and was living in Effingham, north of the city.

Andre Britz, principal attorney for the Legal Aid Board in Durban and representing Roman, said it was in the interest of the court to proceed with the mental examination at this point instead of doing it during a trial.

- SAPA