Lifman murder case ready for Regional Court

GEORGE NEWS - A heated exchange unfolded in the George Magistrate’s Court earlier this morning, Tuesday 6 May, during a procedural appearance in the high-profile murder case of Mark Lifman.

Defence attorney Bulelani Bans, representing accused Gert Bezuidenhout and Johannes Jacobs, accused the state of misleading the court about the progress of the investigation.

While Bans did not object to the postponement of the case to 1 July for transfer to the George Regional Court, he challenged the prosecution’s previous claims that the investigation was nearing completion.

Bans referenced a prior court date on 15 April, where the prosecution allegedly suggested the investigation was at a “satisfactory stage.” However, he said key forensic reports and witness statements were still outstanding weeks later. Reports which have been completed since.

According to Bans, the delay appears to be a tactic to avoid scrutiny under a Section 342A enquiry, which addresses unreasonable delays in trial proceedings.

He further highlighted the defence’s difficulty in accessing the case docket and the challenge of consulting with his clients, who are detained hundreds of kilometres away, limiting communication to brief phone calls.

Magistrate Nasiba Khan echoed Bans' concerns, sharply criticising the prosecution. “What leaves a sour taste in the mouth of the court is that a prosecutor misled the court into thinking the investigation was finalised,” the magistrate said.