Cop had history of mental illness

2002-08-28 21:08

Cape Town - A policeman who allegedly shot dead five petrol attendants at a Shell service station in Grassy Park was remanded on Wednesday to the Wynberg regional court.

At his previous appearance in the Wynberg magistrate's court in July, Ismael Hendricks was referred to the Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital for a month's observation.

On Wednesday, prosecutor Nadia Ajam told the court only two of three reports had been completed.

She expected the outstanding report would be available when Hendricks appeared in the regional court on October 26, she said.

Hendricks was represented by defence attorney Colin Muller, who told the court Hendricks would remain in custody, but at Valkenberg.

Muller said the regional court hearing in October would assess the three psychiatric reports, and decide whether Hendricks was to stand trial on five counts of murder.

He said Hendricks had a history of mental illness, and if declared mentally unfit to stand trial, it was likely he would remain in custody for the rest of his life as a State President's psychiatric patient.

Muller said he was acting free of charge for Hendricks, who was no longer receiving a police salary.

He said Hendricks had been in the police for about 13 years, and had suffered mental instability for the "last few years".

Hendricks was aware that he may be declared a State President's patient, he said.

Hendricks allegedly shot dead the petrol attendants execution-style with his private firearm in the early hours of June 24.

- SAPA