Alleged paedophile’s trial set for February
The trial of a man who allegedly sexually abused numerous young boys in Windhoek and distributed pornographic images of minors on the dark web is now scheduled for 5 February 2024 after several delays.
Johann Maree could not appear in court yesterday due to an outbreak of chickenpox at Windhoek Central Prison.
The trial would have already started on 6 October, but proceedings were delayed because full disclosure of the State's documents was not provided to the defence.
It was then delayed again two weeks ago when Maree's legal aid lawyer withdrew from the case and he had to obtain new representation.
It has been established that Maree has acquired a new lawyer and will now be represented by Milton Engelbrecht.
The alleged paedophile is expected to plead on 5 February, after which the State will begin its case. Further dates of 7, 8 and 9 February have been set for the hearing.
75 charges
Maree was arrested in April 2020 after authorities abroad tracked his activity on the dark web.
He was a photographer and police reservist before his arrest and now faces 75 charges - 24 of rape, 18 of child trafficking, 10 of using a minor to produce pornography, committing indecent acts with a minor child and encouraging or allowing a child under the age of 16 to consume alcohol.
The case was delayed for months after Maree brought an application for psychiatric evaluation last year to determine whether he is capable of understanding court proceedings and can be held accountable for the crimes he is accused of.
At the time, he argued that he suffered from a mental disorder at the time of the alleged crimes and could not remember anything in connection with the complaint the State brought against him.
The psychiatric report was not presented to the court until June, some seven months after Maree underwent the evaluation.
The trial will be heard by Judge Philanda Christiaan in the Windhoek High Court.
–[email protected]
Johann Maree could not appear in court yesterday due to an outbreak of chickenpox at Windhoek Central Prison.
The trial would have already started on 6 October, but proceedings were delayed because full disclosure of the State's documents was not provided to the defence.
It was then delayed again two weeks ago when Maree's legal aid lawyer withdrew from the case and he had to obtain new representation.
It has been established that Maree has acquired a new lawyer and will now be represented by Milton Engelbrecht.
The alleged paedophile is expected to plead on 5 February, after which the State will begin its case. Further dates of 7, 8 and 9 February have been set for the hearing.
75 charges
Maree was arrested in April 2020 after authorities abroad tracked his activity on the dark web.
He was a photographer and police reservist before his arrest and now faces 75 charges - 24 of rape, 18 of child trafficking, 10 of using a minor to produce pornography, committing indecent acts with a minor child and encouraging or allowing a child under the age of 16 to consume alcohol.
The case was delayed for months after Maree brought an application for psychiatric evaluation last year to determine whether he is capable of understanding court proceedings and can be held accountable for the crimes he is accused of.
At the time, he argued that he suffered from a mental disorder at the time of the alleged crimes and could not remember anything in connection with the complaint the State brought against him.
The psychiatric report was not presented to the court until June, some seven months after Maree underwent the evaluation.
The trial will be heard by Judge Philanda Christiaan in the Windhoek High Court.
–[email protected]
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