The suspect arrested for the brutal murder of Gqeberha physiotherapist,Marolien Schmidt (40) in her Richmond Hill home last week, has previous convictions for murder and robbery.
READ MORE | Vigil held for physiotherapist murdered in alleged home burglary
This was revealed today during the first appearance of Simxolele Zitshu (31) in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder. According to the charge sheet the charges are murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, housebreaking with the intent to steal and theft.
Schmidt, a much-loved local physiotherapist and Ironman athlete, died of stab wounds after she was attacked in her Richmond Hill home in the early hours of Wednesday, August 9. Neighbours heard glass breaking and her screams and rushed her to hospital, but she succumbed to her wounds. She was stabbed in her back and upper body. Less than 24 hours after the attack, and after a relentless search and investigation by SAPS officers, Zitshu was apprehended in Central.
During his court appearance, the shabily dressed Zitshu stood with a hat in his hand – wringing the hat at times. He stated that he does not want to apply for legal aid and will be representing himself. When questioned by Magistrate Vuyo Tshiki on whether he has a legal qualification, Zitshu said he didn’t but that he “wants to speak the truth”. He also said that he wishes to apply for bail.
When asked if he would oppose an application by the media to photograph him, Zitshu replied that he would not. The courtroom was then cleared for members of the media to photograph him while standing in the dock.
State Prosecutor Melanie Hammett said the state would be opposing bail. The case was postponed until tomorrow, Tuesday August 15 in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court for the state to verify his address and for a formal bail application.
Among those in the gallery where two women, dressed in pink, who also converged outside the court gates yesterday morning to show solidarity and seek justice for Schmidt. Ironically, when loosely translated from isiXhosa, the accused’s first name, Simxolele, means “we have forgiven him”.
