A district surgeon has recommended that the man who allegedly held eight staff members of the Pretoria News daily newspaper hostage for several hours be evaluated by a psychiatrist.
The surgeon’s report was handed in to the Pretoria Regional Court where Lionel George (32) of Danville appeared on Wednesday.
He faces charges of attempted murder, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and the pointing of an object that looked like a firearm.
Arrested on April 25, George asked the court during his first appearance to see a psychiatrist.
The court explained to him that he would first need to be examined by a district surgeon.
According to the surgeon’s report, the accused appeared calm, but aggressive.
He left school after standard eight.
He apparently understood the charges against him, but did not have insight into what he had allegedly done.
”[He] feels what he did was right under the circumstances. He doesn’t realise the implication of a conviction,” the report stated.
The doctor added that George suffered from depression and hallucinations and could not concentrate well.
”In conclusion, the accused would not be able to follow a court trial and should be evaluated by a psychiatrist.”
During the court proceedings, magistrate Frans Poolman asked George if he had appointed a legal representative yet.
The accused said no attorney came to him, although he earlier did apply for legal aid.
”There appears to be procrastination and maladministration between the courts and the prison,” he said.
State prosecutor Elsabe Parratt told the court it might take up to two months to arrange for a bed for the accused at Weskoppies Psychiatrist Hospital in Pretoria for evaluation, but suggested the case be only remanded until next week for the accused to appoint a lawyer.
Poolman again explained to George how the procedure of referring someone to a psychiatric institution worked, adding that the accused would again appear in court on May 16 to get a legal representative.
George replied that to him that sounded like ”more procrastination”.
He will remain in prison until next week.
On the afternoon of April 25, George allegedly held several advertising personnel at the Pretoria News hostage.
One police officer, who reacted to the emergency call from the newspaper, was shot in the leg.
After hours of talking to hostage negotiators, George gave himself over and the people were released. — Sapa