Fatal White River shooting: Defence questions police, estranged wife's credibility
The second day of Marco Schalekamp's bail hearing yesterday saw the defence challenge key elements of the state's case, casting doubt on the credibility of its lead investigator and introducing new evidence that could shift public perception.
Lowvelder reports that Wednesday's proceedings were marked by emotional protests and conflicting narratives in court.
Schalekamp stands accused of murdering Pieter Burger and injuring Arno van Niekerk during a confrontation that ended in a shooting near White River Rugby Club on Danie Joubert Street.
The state alleges Schalekamp returned after a heated exchange and ambushed the victims, while the defence contends he was ambushed, shot, and left for dead – with his child and dog in the vehicle.
Online commentary continues to fuel debate, with questions about who actually shot Schalekamp. When approached for comment, police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli said they are not yet in a position to confirm whether additional suspects are being investigated.
Protesters gathered outside court calling for bail to be denied. Inside, the magistrate dismissed the defence's application to access the police docket, citing concerns for witness safety.
Sergeant Mxolisi Keis testified that Schalekamp had multiple potential residences, a history of overseas travel, and a fraught relationship with his estranged wife, who has alleged previous abuse. The defence countered that Schalekamp has no prior convictions and denied owning multiple passports.
Yesterday, Schalekamp's attorney Leendert Viljoen cross-examined Keis and highlighted several discrepancies in his earlier testimony. He noted that Keis had failed to search for a safe in Schalekamp's home and had described the residence as a 'wendy house' rather than a timber structure. Viljoen also disputed the state's claim that Schalekamp is transient, insisting he has a fixed address.
Viljoen accused the state of casting his client as a 'monster' based on two earlier assault matters that were later withdrawn. He argued that these should not influence the court's view of Schalekamp's character.
The defence further challenged the credibility of Schalekamp's estranged wife, Mariska, citing a past criminal conviction. Under cross-examination, she admitted to using a sewing needle to cause injury to a minor during a 2020 incident, for which she was charged with assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
The defence submitted crime scene photographs into evidence. While the origin of the images could not be verified, the magistrate permitted their inclusion, noting that the proceedings relate to a bail application, not a trial.
The hearing was postponed to Tuesday.
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