South African prosecutors “think” the teenager accused of murdering Monifieth grandmother Sandra Malcolm has been moved up the waiting list for psychiatric evaluation.
Eric Ntabazalila of the country’s National Prosecuting Authority revealed the case of Sheree Prince, 18, has yet again been postponed due to a lack of hospital beds.
Mrs Malcolm, 74, who lived as an ex-pat in Cape Town for 35 years, was found dead at her home by her grandson in April this year.
Despite being charged and making an initial appearance at Muizenberg Magistrates’ Court on May 11, Prince is yet to face a mental health assessment.
Mr Ntabazalila confirmed the matter will next call on October 23.
He said: “Sheree Prince appeared in court but the matter has been postponed.
“She has not been admitted to Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital yet as she is still waiting for a bed.
“The court was informed that she is higher up the list now I think below 10.
“Interested parties will be informed if she gets admitted for observation before the next court date.
“Remember this stage of the proceedings is out of our control and depends on the availability of a bed at the hospital.”
Prince is reportedly exhibiting “strange” behaviour and lawyers fear she may be too unstable for a prolonged court session.
The initial delays to the case were caused by changes to legal representation, appointed by the Legal Aid Board of South Africa.
An autopsy undertaken by the South African authorities established the cause of death as multiple stab wounds.
Prince is understood to be from the small town of Citrusdal, around 100 miles north of Cape Town.
Police have not ruled out making further arrests in connection with Mrs Malcolm’s death and it is understood that investigations are ongoing.