Delay in trial of Hoekstra accused

THE trial of three people accused of murdering Walmer Country Club manager Gerrie Hoekstra in November 2010 was delayed yesterday when the court heard that state advocate Marlini Moodley had taken ill.

The matter will be called today to hear if Moodley is able to proceed with the trial.

Sherwin Leander, 28, of Chatty, Charne Brown, 31, of Newton Park, and Karen van der Merwe, 40, of Kabega Park, are charged with conspiracy to rob, attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

They are accused of conspiring to rob Hoekstra , 61, a former Eastern Province rugby coach, who was transporting cash from the club in Victoria Drive to the bank when he was shot and killed on November 22 2010.

On Monday, all three pleaded not guilty to the charges. – Lee-Anne Butler