Murder-accused paediatric surgeon Peter Beale’s trial put on hold again
Beale is charged with three counts of murder and two counts of fraud in connection with the deaths of three children he operated on.
Picture: Pixabay
JOHANNESBURG - Murder-accused paediatric surgeon Peter Beale’s trial has been put on hold again, this time, for the court to look into the possibility of appointing an assessor to assist with the matter.
Beale is charged with three counts of murder and two counts of fraud in connection with the deaths of three children he operated on.
It’s alleged his "reckless" conduct resulted in their deaths. He has previously denied any wrongdoing.
The case was set down for trial on Monday, however, it’s now been stood down until later this week.
This for the court to consider appointing an assessor.
It’s a relatively novel case, with only a handful like it, involving patient deaths, having been criminally prosecuted in South Africa before.
It’s also likely to see highly technical medical evidence placed before the court.
Against this backdrop, if the court were to opt to appoint an assessor, he or she would most probably be a medical professional, who could assist the court in understanding the evidence and in coming to a final decision on the matter.
The case returns to court on Wednesday.
In the meantime, Beale is out on bail.