Lynn Williams
Less than 24 hours after leading police to a stormwater drain where he allegedly dumped his ex-wife's body, Johnny Baartman, 59, stood in the dock again in front of a packed courtroom.
It is alleged that the accused murdered Desiree Baartman, 57, and then disposed of her body.
The couple's children and family members were present in court.
He is facing a charge of premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice by allegedly trying to rid the crime scene of evidence and concealing the deceased's body.
Baartman has abandoned his bid for bail.
Through his legal representative, Qhamani Sinefu of Kuban Chetty Attorneys, Baartman told the court that he wants to put all of the facts of the case on record.
Body of missing Desiree Baartman found in stormwater drain
Sinefu then said that his client attempted to take his own life by slashing his wrists, and asked that he be kept in isolation at the St. Albans prison.
He further requested that arrangements be made for Baartman to receive his chronic medicine for hypertension and cholesterol in prison.
State prosecutor, Melani Hammett, told the court that Baartman was referred to a doctor at the Livingstone Hospital to treat the lacerations on his wrists, but she said a doctor said that injuries to his wrists were healing well.
Baartman was referred to a district surgeon for observation due to his displaying suicidal tendencies. The court also requested that he be kept in custody at the hospital section of the St. Albans prison.
The Director of Public Prosecutions is expected to give further guidance on the case and Baartman will make another court appearance on 26 June.
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