Johnny Baartman (58), the man accused of the premeditated murder of his former wife, will be sent for a psychological evaluation by the district surgeon and has abandoned his bail application.
This afternoon’s court appearance was his second appearance in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s court on murder and defeating the ends of justice charges. The case was postponed to 26 June for referral to the district surgeon for evaluation.
The body of Baartman’s former wife who lived with him in their house, Desiree Baartman (57) was found last night, 20 June by the police with the help of the K9 unit and divers, in a stormwater drain next to Standford Road near the Jagtersvlakte area. This was only a few hours after a prayer service was held by family members and friends for her safe return.
Desiree has been missing since Friday, 9 June. Concerned family members, whom she regularly visited, enquired about Desiree’s whereabouts when they could not trace her. Baartman reported her missing on Wednesday, June 14 at SAPS Bethelsdorp, about five days after she was last seen.
Baartman was arrested on Saturday, 17 June after police conducted a thorough forensic investigation at Baartman’s house. A firearm was also confiscated.
In contrast to Baartman’s emotional state during his first court appearance yesterday, today he appeared stoic. He did not look at the courtroom gallery which was packed with family members and friends who sat quietly listening to the proceedings, with some having to be comforted.
Baartman and his defence attorney, Qhamani Sinefu, agreed to an application by the media that he could be photographed as long as it is with his mask on.
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During the proceedings it was stated in court by state prosecutor Melani Hammett that he had laceration injuries on both his wrists after a suicide attempt. He was admitted to the trauma unit at Livingstone Hospital on 18 June, and was discharged into police custody after receiving treatment.
Sinefu asked that Baartman be detained in isolation with measures to ensure that he would not harm himself. He also stated that Baartman is on chronic medication for hypertension and cholesterol.
Magistrate Dumisani Apollos said he could only endorse that Baartman be held in the hospital section of St Albans Correctional facility, but that it was up to the correctional facility to decide where he is held. After this, magistrate Apollos decided to postpone the case for referral for an evaluation by the district surgeon.
Sinefu also said that Baartman wanted to apply for a pre-sentence report to be done. This was opposed by the state and the magistrate as this can only be done once there is a conviction.
