Johannesburg murder accused is number 85 on a waiting list. Here’s why

The Johannesburg man accused of killing his mother in Bassonia is back in the headlines.

This time, it’s not only about the murder charge.

At his latest court appearance, two new charges were added from a separate case.

And before his case can move forward, he’s waiting in a very long queue.

He’s number 85.

James Gibson, 29, is accused of murdering his mother, Celeste Antiga, 57.

Here’s why he’s waiting. Gibson is expected to undergo a psychiatric evaluation linked to the new charges.

He’s reportedly number 85 on the list of people waiting for a bed to be allocated for the assessment.

Until that happens, and the outstanding reports are in, his case can’t move forward.

NEW CHARGES ADDED IN THE BASSONIA MURDER CASE

Gibson appeared before Magistrate Shumani Oriel Vele at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg South.

Two more charges were added: assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and contravening a domestic violence order.

According to the Southern Courier, the new charges stem from a district court case in which Gibson had previously appeared.

Both matters were postponed to 29 October.

They’re expected to be consolidated on that date, meaning they’ll be dealt with together.

Meanwhile, the murder investigation continues.

Police are still waiting for the crime-scene photo album and the post-mortem report.

WHAT HAPPENED IN BASSONIA

Bassonia is a quiet residential suburb in Johannesburg South.

According to police, the incident happened at about 19:10 on 14 July at a home in Blouklip Avenue.

Antiga was allegedly found unconscious, lying in a pool of blood, with severe injuries to her upper body.

She was taken to hospital but died the following day, 15 July.

Gibson allegedly fled the scene and was on the run for several days.

Police arrested him on 21 July and detained him at Mondeor Police Station.

He faces a Schedule 6 murder charge, the most serious category under the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.

To get bail, an accused must prove that “exceptional circumstances exist which in the interests of justice permit his or her release.”

HE HAS TOLD THE COURT HE WANTS TO PLEAD GUILTY

This case has already had an unusual twist. When Gibson appeared on 31 August, he again told the court he wanted to plead guilty to murder.

Magistrate Hasina Habib explained that a set procedure must be followed before a formal guilty plea can be entered.

Habib instructed the State to speed up the process.

That process now has another hurdle.

Until the outstanding reports are finalised, and the new charges are consolidated, the case can’t move forward.

No formal plea had been entered at the time of reporting.

Gibson remains in custody and is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He’s due back in court on 29 October.

DO YOU THINK SOUTH AFRICA’S COURTS NEED MORE CAPACITY FOR PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATIONS?