E.tv 'criminal' to be assessed

2010-02-18 14:18

Johannesburg - A man who allegedly threatened to "rob and kill" tourists in an e.tv broadcast was remanded in custody by the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday pending a psychiatric report.

Evans Tsietse Radebe will remain in prison until a bed can be found in the Sterkfontein Hospital, where he will undergo psychiatric observation.

"You must go to a hospital for examination by psychiatrists to determine if you are fit to stand trial," magistrate Albertus Roux told Radebe, adding that the period of observation would be 30 days.

During Radebe's previous appearance on February 11, Roux expressed concern that Radebe would spend an undue amount of time waiting for a bed. The waiting list is presently 180 people long.

At the time, prosecutor Mienke Erasmus told him it might be possible to get Radebe a bed sooner.

During Radebe's appearance on Thursday, the court heard that he would be number 135 on the list.

"So he's made progress from 181 to 135?" Roux asked the prosecutor.

Radebe had asked for bail to avoid being imprisoned until a bed became available. This was denied.

Schizophrenic

Afterwards Radebe, who told the court he is a schizophrenic receiving treatment, said he was hearing voices and was unable to sleep because of his lack of medication.

His need for medication was one of his motivations for wanting bail.

Roux told Radebe he would make a note on his detention warrant indicating that he needed treatment.

"I will make sure the prison authorities attend to your needs," he said.

Radebe will reappear in court on March 18.

- SAPA