Johnny Baartman (59), the ex-husband of missing Bethelsdorp woman Desiree Baartman, was today provisionally charged with premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court.
He remains in custody and is expected to appear again in the Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 21 June.
According to police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, Desiree has been missing since Friday, June 9 from her home in Nagel Street, Extension 29 in Bethelsdorp.
During the court proceedings, Baartman was emotional and teary-eyed as it was announced that his bail was abandoned.
The prosecutor in the case stated during proceedings that Baartman had sustained self-inflicted injuries on his wrist. For his safety he will be held in a single cell at the Bethelsdorp Police Station.
Concerned family members, whom she regularly visited, enquired about Desiree’s whereabouts when they could not trace her. Baartman, who is her ex-husband but still shared a house with Desiree, reported her missing on Wednesday, June 14 at SAPS Bethelsdorp, about five days after she was last seen.
According to Colonel Priscilla Naidu, police spokesperson, police conducted a thorough forensic investigation in the Baartman household on Saturday, June 17. Police found possible signs of foul play as well as a firearm, which was confiscated.
A prayer session will be held at Desiree’s home in Nagel Street at 18:00 tonight. Family members and friends attended the court proceedings as well.
Police are urging to anyone who can assist in tracing Baartman or may know of her whereabouts to contact SAPS Bethelsdorp, D/W/O Ben Killian on 072 342 7424 or D/Const Akhona Royi on 078 404 8296 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.
