Murder accused at husband’s funeral

The officer investigating a woman who allegedly killed her husband will attend the man’s funeral to prevent “any possible further incidents” as the accused may walk into possible State witnesses and relatives of her late spouse.

Rachel Elizabeth Botha, 49, of Capital Park, was granted R1 000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court yesterday, but a problem arose when the court learnt that she wanted to attend her husband Johan’s funeral on Friday.

She allegedly killed him in a motorbike shop on November 5.

Magistrate Anna-Marie Aucamp noted that, as she understood, the accused’s sister-in-law and brother were witnesses to the alleged killing.

Therefore, if the bail conditions included no contact with witnesses, Botha would not be able to attend the funeral.

State prosecutor Sipho Letsoalo agreed that it was a problem, especially as the dead man’s family would also be at the funeral.

“But the State thinks it is important for the accused to attend the funeral as she might need to get closure,” he said.

After he spoke to investigating officer Warrant Officer Esrom Zungu, it was suggested a policeman also attend the funeral.

The magistrate found it a sensible request in the circumstances and made it a bail condition.

She also ordered that Botha receive psychological treatment, saying the court wanted a report at the next appearance.

Botha’s psychological well-being was the only factor that concerned the State regarding her release on bail, as there were reports that she had suicidal tendencies and had received treatment at the Denmar Specialist Psychiatric Hospital.

A report from Denmar confirmed that Botha was treated there from October 16 to 26 in 2007, following an “impulsive overdose (self- harm)”. She was diagnosed with a major depressive episode.

The accused said in her affidavit that this happened after the death of a relative. She took four “stomach pills” to let her family believe she tried to commit suicide.

“I remained longer (at Denmar) out of free will. I have no wish to take my own life,” she said.

Defence lawyer Latham Dixon said Botha’s sister-in-law, a registered nurse, would assist her, so there would be a support structure.

“I think the negative impact of incarceration will be worse (on Botha) than being supported at home. She is not a flight risk, and we have an affidavit by a psychiatrist that she will receive treatment while out on bail,” he said.

As she granted Botha bail, Aucamp warned her to go for therapy as she needed “debriefing and the necessary skills” to handle this situation. “You have a support system and people willing to help, but there will also be resistance and that could threaten your emotional wellbeing, which is a concern to the court,” Aucamp said. The case was postponed to January. - Pretoria News