The two men accused of the murders of actor Brett Goldin and fashion designer Richard Bloom will go on trial in the Cape High Court in March next year, the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court heard on Friday.
Magistrate Hafeesa Mohamed remanded Clinton Davids (22) and Shavaan Marlie (25) to December 14, when they make their final appearance in the magistrate’s court, before the start of their trial on March 5.
They face two charges of murder, two of aggravated armed robbery and two of kidnapping.
At Friday’s proceedings, defence lawyers Mushtak Parker and George Catsicadellis told the court they had not been formally notified by the directorate of public prosecutions about the trial date.
Prosecutor Janine Rheede, however, said she had in fact been notified of the date by the senior prosecuting authorities. She assured Parker and Catsicadellis they could rely on her information.
Rheede told the court the investigation is all but completed. All that is still outstanding are the results of DNA forensic tests and a statement from an expert about the crime scene.
Both lawyers gave notice that they will at the next hearing object to any further postponement for further investigation.
Parker told the court: ”I have no objection to today’s [Friday’s] remand to December 14, but I wish to place on record my concern that the investigation is still not finalised.”
Rheede undertook to furnish the defence team with the indictment and the details requested, at the next appearance.
Four of the original 11 suspects were dealt with in plea-bargain proceedings and are to testify against Davids and Marlie at their trial. Charges against another five were withdrawn.
Two other men, not involved in the attack on Goldin and Bloom but who were caught in possession of their car, face charges of possession of stolen property. — Sapa