'Jesus killer ' to be evaluated
2006-02-14 08:47
Cape Town - The suspected "Jesus-killer" will have to wait for a bed to become available in Valkenberg Hospital so that he can be admitted for observation.
A district attorney of the health department testified in the Wynberg magistrate's court on Monday that the man had to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
Dr Abdul Aziz Adams testified that he had seen the accused for about 20 to 30 minutes on January 19 2006.
"I asked him the normal questions such as his age and about his family. He looked me in the eye and answered the questions correctly. When I started asking him about the seriousness of the charges against him, his eyes glazed over and he looked away. I again tried to get an answer from him, but he failed to react," Adams said.
Adams said he had come to the conclusion that the accused was either not aware of the charges against him, or was in denial. This was the reason for referring the accused to Valkenberg Hospital for a period of seven to ten days for observation and evaluation by a qualified psychologist.
The man faces 13 murder charges, 22 rape charges, one charge of robbery with extenuating circumstances, three of attempted murder, five of housebreaking and three of assault.
The accused, who may not be named until after he has pleaded, is suspected of maintaining a reign of terror for a month among members of a farming community in Philippi.