Joburg man accused of killing his mother due back in court

James Gibson, 29, who faces a Schedule 6 murder charge in the death of his mother, is due to appear at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on 29 September, the latest procedural hearing in the case.

What prosecutors say about the case

The accused is charged in connection with the death of Celeste Antiga, 57. According to The South African, Antiga was found unconscious in a pool of blood at a home on Blouklip Avenue, Bassonia, at about 19:10 on 14 July. She allegedly sustained severe injuries to her upper body and died in hospital on 15 July.

Procedural developments

At an earlier appearance on 31 August before Magistrate Hasina Habib, the court heard that investigation materials including the post-mortem report, a photo album and a chain statement had not been finalised. The matter was postponed for further investigation and set down for 29 September.

During the August hearing, Gibson again indicated that he wanted to plead guilty to the murder charge. Magistrate Habib explained that a specific procedure must be followed before a formal guilty plea can be recorded and instructed the State to expedite that process so the proper plea procedure can be followed once outstanding investigation work is complete, The South African reports.

Arrest and custody

The South African reports that Gibson allegedly fled the scene after the incident and remained on the run for several days before being arrested on 21 July. He was detained at Mondeor SAPS prior to his first court appearance.

Next steps

The court appearance on 29 September will consider the outstanding investigative work and the formal plea procedure once the State has completed the required steps.

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