The protracted fraud and murder trial of two German nationals which has dragged on for at least five years in the Port Elizabeth High Court hit a snag on Wednesday when the court heard that the defence may lead more evidence in the matter.
Jens Leunberg, 41, and his then common-law wife Kristina Adler, 43, stand accused of the 2009 murder of Claus Schroeder whose body has never been found.
It is alleged that Leunberg and Adler tried to defraud Claus and Tanja Schroeder through the sale of their Thornhill farm, Owvanhuk.
The state claimed that when Schoeder went to confront the pair on August 14 2009 about the alleged fraud he was murdered and his body disposed of. Schoeder has never been seen again.
It is alleged that Adler and Leunberg presented fraudulent bank statements to Schroeder and South African officials when they indicated they wanted to buy Schroeder’s farm.
When Schroder became suspicious of the pair he was allegedly lured to a nearby kloof by Leunberg and killed.
His body was never found.
On Wednesday Leunberg’s legal representative advocate Danie Gouws asked judge Glen Goosen for a postponement in order for him to consult with his client about possible further evidence. [Leunberg’s] case is still not closed.
“The trial can continue after the discussions,” Gouws said.
Goosen agreed to postpone the matter to Thursday.