Skierlik: Nel fit for trial
2008-04-14 14:23
Swartruggens - Skierlik murder accused Johan Nel was declared mentally fit to stand trial in the Swartruggens magistrate's court on Monday.
The case was postponed to July 14.
Nel, 18, was referred for psychiatric observation during his last appearance in February.
He allegedly killed Enoch Tshepo Motshelanoka, 10, Kegitlho Elizabeth Moiphitlhi, 3 months, her mother Anna, 31, and Sivuyile Banani, 35.
He is also charged with six counts of attempted murder after he allegedly injured Margaret Madibane, Sinah Moithitlhi and Kelebogile Serothe, Maria Serothe, Alex Mohlakula and Christina Loutering in January.
Nel is also charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of 109 rounds of ammunition.
Nel appeared before magistrate Andre Kleynhans and pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.
Dressed in a khaki jacket, blue shirt and navy blue trousers Nel walked into the courtroom, looked at the public gallery, nodded, turned and faced the front.
After that he sat in the dock throughout the proceedings quietly looking at the magistrate.
Kleynhans said the charges against the accused were preliminary.
"These are not necessarily the same charges he will face when the case goes to High Court. The plea was also a preliminary plea," he said.
Kleynhans said the docket would be taken to the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide what charges Nel would face in the High Court.
"Taking into account the seriousness of this matter I trust that the Director of Public Prosecutions will do the necessary to speed up the process."
- SAPA