Anika murder suspect sent to Weskoppies
Anika Smit’s murder accused Andre van Wyk has been sent to Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital for psychiatric evaluation.
|||Pretoria - Anika Smit’s murder accused Andre van Wyk has been sent to Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital for psychiatric evaluation.
Van Wyk, 26, handed himself over to the police in connection with the rape, mutilation and murder of the 17-year-old in 2010.
The State previously requested postponement of the matter while a bed became available at the psychiatric hospital for Van Wyk. He is being kept in a single cell at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.
During his brief appearance in the Pretoria North Magistrate Court on Tuesday, the State indicated a bed was finally available, and Van Wyk could be admitted for his evaluation to formally begin.
The presiding magistrate said the accused would be evaluated for 30 days, and if the need for more time arose, he would have to return to the court for a new date to be scheduled.
The magistrate also said should Van Wyk complete his evaluation before the scheduled 30 days, he would be sent back to prison to await his court date.
Smit was found murdered in her father’s home in Pretoria on April 10, 2010.
Her throat had been slit, hands cut off and a bottle sticking out from between her legs. She had stayed away from school with an ear infection on the day of her murder and appeared to have opened the door for her attacker.
The matter will return to court on November 25.
goitsemang.tlhabye@inl.co.za
Pretoria News