Proceedings in the Western Cape High Court were delayed on Tuesday after Ralph Stanfield’s defence disputed whether he had been given breakfast before being brought to court. Stanfield, his wife Nicole Johnson and 12 co-accused are on trial.
Stanfield’s defence team said he could not take his high blood pressure medication without eating, prompting prosecutor Frank Van Heerden to contact the head of Drakenstein Correctional Centre, where Stanfield is being held, to establish what food had been provided.
Dispute over breakfast and medication delays proceedings
Stanfield could be heard shouting at his lawyer in court, alleging that he had been denied medication despite it being recorded on his prison file. He further claimed that he had lost 30kg.
Van Heerden, who spoke to the prison head by telephone, said the facility had provided Stanfield with mealie pap porridge, its standard breakfast meal.
However, Stanfield’s legal team maintained that he needed to eat before taking his medication and alleged that he and other accused held at Drakenstein had not been given food before leaving for court.
Van Heerden and the defence teams agreed that the complaint needed to be resolved before proceedings continued on Wednesday.
Stanfield and Johnson appeared alongside 12 co-accused: Johannes “Bal” Abrahams, Chevonne McNabb, Sharazaadt Essop, Brandon Cornelius, Keathan Gardiner, Denver Booysen, Jose “Makop” Brandt, Jonathan Cloete, Shakeel Pelston, Imtyaas Sedick, Warren-Lee Dennis and Michael Morris.
They face charges including murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and robbery.
Accused reminded of charges and possible sentences
The prosecutor informed Judge BP Mantame that he wanted to remind all the accused of the charges against them and the implications if they are found guilty under section 51 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997.
The section provides for life imprisonment for the most serious offences, including premeditated murder, the murder of law enforcement officers and attempted murder.
Van Heerden also read out admissions relating to ballistics evidence obtained from the murders of Wendy Kloppers and Rashied Staggie, which allegedly links the accused to the killings.
According to court documents, the admissions reportedly detail the accused’s alleged involvement in both murders. No images or videos were played in court.
Staggie was shot dead outside his home in Salt River, Cape Town, while Kloppers was shot at the corner of Magalies and Mandara streets in N2 Gateway, Delft.
The case against Stanfield and his co-accused continues at the Western Cape High Court on Wednesday.