Widow's trial takes a bizarre turn as she claims her husband is fetching her
Zurenah Smit's murder trial takes an unexpected turn as she insists her husband, whom she is accused of murdering, is on his way to take her to a doctor.
Image: Chevon Booysen/Independent Newspapers
In a courtroom filled with tension, Zurenah Smit made a startling statement that echoed through the Western Cape High Court on Wednesday.
“I'm going to the doctor. I'm waiting for my husband to fetch me.”
These were the words Smit uttered as her cross-examination was set to get under way.
Widowed Smit now faces the possibility of having her bail revoked while counsel stood down the matter to discuss the apparent confusion in chambers.
Smit is accused of having masterminded the murder of her farm owner husband, Stefan Smit; however, the murder trial took an explosive twist on Wednesday, when Smit told the court she is waiting for her husband to take her to a doctor.
The trial has been marred by several delays, which included interlocutory applications for the judge's recusal from the matter, medically related after she had fallen ill during trial proceedings.
Judge Derek Wille reminded Smit of Monday's proceedings, during which she was cross-examined by the State, and proceedings had to be cut short due to Smit's voice breaking in the late afternoon.
In a dramatic turn during her murder trial, Zurenah Smit claims her deceased husband is on his way to fetch her for a doctor's appointment, prompting the court to consider her mental state and the implications for her bail.
Image: Chevon Booysen
From the witness stand, Smit asked: “Which day was that?”
After Judge Wille reminded her that she was still under oath, she said: “I am waiting for my husband to come. He is fetching me… he said he is coming. I tried to find his number to phone him…”
Legal counsel for Smit, Susan Kuun, asked her to clarify what she meant when the accused responded that her husband was fetching her to go to a doctor because she was experiencing headaches.
“Who is the husband that is coming to fetch you? What is his name?” asked Judge Wille.
“Stefan. He's fetching me,” answered Smit.
“Do you realise that this whole trial, which has been running for more than a year, is about the murder of your husband, Stefan Smit?” Judge Wille questioned.
Smit maintained that her husband was fetching her. The matter was stood down for a decision regarding the revocation of her bail and whether she should be sent for a mental observation.
Kuun submitted that it “takes up to a month or two” for such observations and requested that the court consider having her sent to Valkenberg and for the court to make an order for immediate observation.
The matter continues.
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