Update

GEORGE NEWS - After the State closed its case in the Joan Singrew (53) murder trial in the George Circuit High Court on Thursday 27 November, Joan's husband Duane Singrew (47) and his co-accused, his cousin, Heinrich Jumat (46), brought an application in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

A Section 174 discharge application is a request by the defence for an accused to be acquitted after the State closes its case. 

The argument is that the prosecution has not presented enough evidence to establish a prima facie case, meaning no reasonable court could convict based on what has been presented.

If granted, the accused is found not guilty and the trial ends. If refused, the defence must proceed with its case.

After hearing the application, Judge André le Grange acquitted Singrew on four of the eight charges against him, including contravention of a protection order, a charge involving a domestic violence interdict, harassment and the assault of a child.

However, the application was dismissed in respect of charges 6 to 8 which include kidnapping, murder and obstruction of justice.

Le Grange said the State had presented sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case, noting however that the evidence is entirely circumstantial.

Court stood down for Advocate Johan Visser (SC) to consult with the accused. It is expected that Singrew will begin delivering his evidence-in-chief when proceedings resume. The matter will, in all likelihood, be postponed until next year.

Joan's body was found down a steep embankment in the bushes near Charles Street in Great Brak River on Monday 25 November 2024. Her estranged husband and his cousin were arrested a few days after her murder.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’