Murder suspect wants her mental state examined
The defence lawyer of the widow accused of murder plot against her husband has submitted an application to have his client referred for psychiatric observation.
Hipura Ujaha told the Windhoek High Court that it is unfortunate that the application is submitted at this stage of the trial, but it is in the interest of justice in light of what transpired yesterday.
Ujaha appears on behalf Rachel Rittman, 46, who, with her lover Rhyno du Preez, 33, is accused of killing her husband, Rudolf Rittman at Gobabis on 23 August 2013.
The doctor who treated Rittman allegedly informed Ujaha, though it is not yet certified, that she is suffering from anxiety attacks and depressive moods and has recommended that she goes for psychiatric observation.
“It is on that basis I am submitting the application for referral for psychiatric observation,” he argued. Ujaha explained, based on his consultation with his client on Monday that she cannot compile a defence as she is not able to follow the proceedings.
Boris Isaacks appearing for Du Preez, on his part argued that it is imperative that Rittman is referred for such observation as it might have an effect on the whole trial.
“It's imperative she follows the proceedings,” he stressed.
The second State Advocate Marthino Olivier, who is being assisted by Advocate Ethel Ndlovu, stated that the defence must provide medical evidence to support its allegations.
Judge Christie Liebenberg added that evidence is required for the court to make a ruling on whether there is a need for referral.
“The court is not in a position to evaluate the situation without guidance by the medical evidence of an expert,” he said and postponed the case to 22 June to allow the defence to prepare and present such evidence.
In a double twist, Isaacks, on behalf his client withdrew the plea of guilty he submitted after the State refused to accept it.
Ndlovu maintained the accused is not pleading according to facts and that they still did not plead on the charge of robbery.
“We still have to lead evidence on that,” she stated.
FRED GOEIEMAN
Hipura Ujaha told the Windhoek High Court that it is unfortunate that the application is submitted at this stage of the trial, but it is in the interest of justice in light of what transpired yesterday.
Ujaha appears on behalf Rachel Rittman, 46, who, with her lover Rhyno du Preez, 33, is accused of killing her husband, Rudolf Rittman at Gobabis on 23 August 2013.
The doctor who treated Rittman allegedly informed Ujaha, though it is not yet certified, that she is suffering from anxiety attacks and depressive moods and has recommended that she goes for psychiatric observation.
“It is on that basis I am submitting the application for referral for psychiatric observation,” he argued. Ujaha explained, based on his consultation with his client on Monday that she cannot compile a defence as she is not able to follow the proceedings.
Boris Isaacks appearing for Du Preez, on his part argued that it is imperative that Rittman is referred for such observation as it might have an effect on the whole trial.
“It's imperative she follows the proceedings,” he stressed.
The second State Advocate Marthino Olivier, who is being assisted by Advocate Ethel Ndlovu, stated that the defence must provide medical evidence to support its allegations.
Judge Christie Liebenberg added that evidence is required for the court to make a ruling on whether there is a need for referral.
“The court is not in a position to evaluate the situation without guidance by the medical evidence of an expert,” he said and postponed the case to 22 June to allow the defence to prepare and present such evidence.
In a double twist, Isaacks, on behalf his client withdrew the plea of guilty he submitted after the State refused to accept it.
Ndlovu maintained the accused is not pleading according to facts and that they still did not plead on the charge of robbery.
“We still have to lead evidence on that,” she stated.
FRED GOEIEMAN
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