The trial of Carl Abrahams, the man accused of killing his wife, Angelique Clarke-Abrahams, hit a delay in the East London high court on Tuesday — much to her family’s disappointment.
State prosecutor Nickie Turner was ready to present her final arguments to the court on November 12, but defence advocate Mark Botha said he needed more time before he could present his arguments.
Presiding judge Michelle Beneke granted Botha time to re-examine evidence and prepare his closing arguments, and postponed the matter to Tuesday.
Beneke had asked for the written arguments to be ready a week before December 7 for the defence and the state to prepare adequately.
But on Tuesday proceedings were adjourned to Friday.
Botha said he needed more time as he had only received the state’s written argument on Monday, a day before court day.
Angelique’s mother, Maria Clarke, said the family had waited more than three years to see the case proceed after Angelique's death, and the further delays only worsened their frustration.
“We want justice for Angelique and we are calling for a life sentence. I am very disappointed. We thought today [Tuesday] would be the day this was all settled in court.”
On Tuesday Beneke said the case needed to be finalised and urged Botha to submit his final written argument by close of business on Wednesday.
“I propose the matter be rolled to Friday and the arguments to happen at 9.30am, and I will hand down the judgment at midday.”
The judge said she would start compiling her judgment and factor in Botha’s arguments before presenting it to the court.
During the trial, which began in November, the court heard Angelique had died from strangulation, allegedly at the hands of her husband.
The couple’s eight-year-old son testified in court that his father had said he would break his mother’s neck and kill her.
Angelique had tried to escape her abusive marriage by filing for divorce and a protection order against Abrahams, the court heard.
While in the witness box, Abrahams denied the allegations against him. He said everyone who had testified that Angelique was a victim of domestic violence was lying.
DispatchLIVE
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