Exhaustion on the part of an accused led to the delay of a double murder trial in the Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday.
Lushan Whitebooi, 26, has been charged with the murders of Alberto Bezuidenhout and Kaylee Ruiters.
The State alleges that he gunned down the couple at a house in Italy Street in Bethelsdorp on 1 July 2023.
In addition to the murders, Whitebooi, who is believed to be a member of the Mechanics Gang, also faces charges of attempted murder, the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, housebreaking with intent to commit murder, and wilfully aiding and abetting any criminal activity.
When the case resumed, Lynley Hansen, who survived the brazen shootout could not continue his testimony.
Also read: Survivor testifies in double murder trial
Defence attorney, Advocate Elsabet Theron requested a postponement because her client was exhausted.
She said after an in-loco inspection was held at the crime scene on Tuesday night, her client spent the night in the holding cells at a police station and not at the St. Albans Correctional Centre.
This arrangement was the cause of Whitebooi not being able to sleep.
According to Theron, Whitebooi was thus not fully alert and could to properly follow proceedings.
State Advocate Rafick Ahmed did not oppose the request for a remand.
Judge Phillip Zilwa said it was "crucial" that the accused is alert and that he fully participates in the trial.
The trial will resume on Thursday.
