Ruling awaited on mental observation

A RULING which could determine the further course of the trial of double murder suspect Romeo Schiefer is due to be given in the High Court in Windhoek on Thursday.

Schiefer’s defence counsel, Winnie Christians, informed Judge Naomi Shivute on Friday that he wants his client to be observed by a private psychiatrist in order to get a more detailed report on Schiefer’s mental condition than the two reports from psychiatrists which are already before the court.The possibility that Schiefer had a diminished responsibility at the time his parents were murdered – crimes which he still denies – is one of the aspects that a private psychiatrist would be asked to explore, Christians indicated.Schiefer (23) is accused of murdering his parents, Frans and Francina Schiefer (both 50 years old) in their home in Windhoek’s Khomasdal area on the evening of January 18 2008.He has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.Christians told the judge that the defence does not have a problem with the findings of the two State-employed psychiatrists who previously examined Schiefer. Both reported to the court that he was not mentally ill, did not suffer from a mental defect, and that he was able to follow court proceedings and was fit to stand trial.These psychiatrists’ examination of Schiefer however did not cover all possible aspects of his mental condition, Christians said.Deputy Prosecutor General Belinda Wantenaar opposed the application to have Schiefer referred for a third period of psychiatric observation. She said it appeared that the defence now wanted to rely on a defence of temporary insanity – termed ‘non-pathological criminal incapacity’ – but that no basis of facts for such a defence has been placed before the court.The defence’s application is without any basis and is not sound in law, she argued.On a question from the judge, Christians said he was not now raising insanity as a defence to the charges. Schiefer’s defence remains the same – that he did not commit the murders, he said.Judge Shivute said she would try to deliver a ruling on the issue on Thursday.Wantenaar closed the prosecution’s case in the trial on Monday last week. Christians has told the court that Schiefer would be testifying in his own defence.A confession made by Schiefer on the day after the murders, is part of the prosecution’s evidence in the trial. Schiefer has claimed he was forced and influenced to make the confession.In the confession, Schiefer related how he shot his father where he lay sleeping, and how he repeatedly stabbed his mother with knives and shot her numerous times as well.The killings had been triggered by a scolding he had received from his mother about his bad school results, he indicated.The confession ended with this statement by Schiefer: ‘I think there is something wrong with me since I was a small boy. I also consulted a (psychologist) several times.’

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.