KEY POINTS
- The court postponed the case for a full mental health evaluation.
- The suspect was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2021.
- Prosecutors will assess whether he is fit to stand trial.
To provide for a thorough mental health assessment, the murder case against an 18-year-old who is suspected of poisoning his 3-year-old brother has been rescheduled for March 13.
Court postpones murder case for psychiatric assessment
Lucky Sundani, Ikemetse Tsheole’s attorney, asked that the bail application be postponed until the youngster has a psychiatric evaluation during his brief appearance in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Sundani informed the court that he had spoken with the accused and the family, stressing that the kid needed medical care before the case could move further. He claimed there was evidence that Tsheole might not have completely comprehended the wrongness of his actions at the time of the accused crime, citing provisions 77, 78, and 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
According to Iol, Tsheole made his second court appearance since being arrested in connection with the incident at the Orange Farm family residence on January 31.
Schizophrenia diagnosis raises questions about criminal responsibility
According to Sundani, Tsheole received a schizophrenia diagnosis at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in 2021. According to reports, his medical history includes constant prayer, disordered behavior, and social disengagement.
Advocate Taku Chabalala, the state prosecutor, also mentioned that conversations with the family indicated Tsheole’s mental health had declined as a result of his drug use. He stated that before a determination about the accused’s suitability for trial, he will be sent to Sterkfontein Hospital for a mental health assessment.
In the meantime, on Thursday, residents of Drieziek, which is close to Orange Farm, came together to attend the funeral of Abraham Tsheole, the 3-year-old victim.
