Sentencing in Desiree Murugan case set for October
Sentencing proceedings in the Desiree Murugan case have been adjourned until October - pending the completion of a psychological report on one of the accused.
This after apparent conflicting statements from Mbali Magwaba and her probation officer - Mahashni Naidoo.
Defence attorney Reema Mahabeer accused Naidoo of being biased against Magwaba - who was found guilty of the 2014 sex worker's murder in January along with three others - including a traditional healer.
Mahabeer argued in the Durban High Court that Naidoo had passed judgement on the accused.
Naidoo was cross-examined on her report compiled on Magwaba during arguments for aggravation and mitigation of sentence. Naidoo said Magwaba played her part in the crime for money and out of fear.
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She'd been tasked with finding the victim.
Naidoo says Magwaba told her she became scared when she saw the head - but did not include this in her report.
Murugan's body was found by municipal workers at the Shallcross Sports Stadium in 2014.
She had been stabbed multiple times and beheaded.
Naidoo's report said the punishment must fit the crime - but Mahabeer pointed out that Magwaba said she was involved under duress and made no mention of money.