'Eastern Cape Murder Trial: State Seeks Deceased Farmer's Phone'

A riveting murder trial is unfolding in Eastern Cape. Natasha Van Eck, the wife of the deceased, appeared briefly in the Kariega Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The accused, Mrs. Van Eck, 56, stands accused of murdering her husband Gideon, a 60-year-old farmer. The crime reportedly took place in self-defence on their farm Bakenkop, located outside Kariega.

Initial reports suggest that the wife was arrested shortly after the event but was eventually released amid further investigation. As court proceedings commenced, Mrs. Van Eck voluntarily handed over her personal cell phone to aid the police in their ongoing investigations.

While Mrs. Van Eck has fully cooperated with the authorities, the deceased’s daughter shows resistance in cooperating with the police. The state reported that she is currently in possession of her father’s cell phone but refuses to hand it over for investigations. In light of this, the court heard that a Section 205 Order will be sought to ensure the evidence's availability crucial to the criminal proceedings.

The intriguing trial has now seen a postponement to not before November 10 while Mrs. Van Eck remains out on warning and investigations are to proceed.