Iuze Mukube
A resident of Luderitz, who is accused of killing his four-month pregnant wife by allegedly stabbing her with a kitchen knife and kicking her, will be expected to appear in the High Court today for the allocation of a trial date and judge.
Johannes Swartbooi is facing a charge of murder, read with the provisions of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act.
The State alleges that on 24-25 December 2014, Swartbooi unlawfully and intentionally assaulted Dorothea Riekert, by kicking her and stabbing her multiple times with a knife or other sharp objects in her neck and body with the intent to murder her.
At the time of the incident, the deceased was married to Swartbooi and resided together with their five minor children in the Khaubeb location in Aus in the district of Luderitz.
The State also alleges that the accused, at their residence, on one evening, took a knife from the kitchen, went to the bedroom where his wife was sleeping, and stabbed her at least six times in her neck and body.
Additionally, Swartbooi allegedly kicked her in the face before he fled the scene.
The accused, during a session this week, indicated via his legal representative, Dawn Marondedze, that he will render a guilty plea on the murder charge.
He indicated that he will admit he stabbed his wife, who was at the time four months pregnant, with a knife and that he also kicked her.
Riekert was declared dead at the Luderitz State Hospital on 27 December 2014 due to acute loss of blood from the injuries she sustained from multiple stab wounds.
The matter will continue before High CourtJudge Philanda Christiaan today for the allocation of a trial date.