DNA Delay Postpones Jonkheid Murder Trial

In South Africa, the trial of two brothers for the killing of media expert and psychologist Dr. Klaas Jonkheid in May has been postponed to 28th October pending the arrival of DNA test results.

The Stellenbosch Magistrate's Court met this week for the first time since late July, when magistrate Anita Potgieter denied bail to Eerste River brothers Elton (22) and Wayne Smith (23), explaining that she considered they had intended to mislead the court, and would be likely to attempt to intimidate State witnesses.

A report in the Cape Argus said evidence found at the scene and sent away for forensic analysis is not yet ready for presentation. A decision is also pending on whether the case should be heard in the Stellenbosch Regional or Western Cape High Court. Potgieter has postponed the case to 28 October.

Dr Jonkheid was found dead after attending a conference of the Southern African Marketing Research Society (SAMRA) in the last week of May.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.