New evidence emerges in Stella murder case
The case against double murder accused Xander Bylsma has been postponed to Thursday.
The 19-year-old made a brief appearance in the North West High Court in Mmabatho on Monday.
The pre-trial proceeding was postponed to Thursday due to new evidence brought forward by the state.
The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Siphiwuo Jika says the new evidence is an audio recording of Byslma, which he describes as crucial to the state’s case.
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"When we as the state consulted with our witnesses preparing for trial, it transpired that there was information we not aware of which is crucial in this matter, we had to provide the defence with that new information for them to further prepare.
"We have given them the information and now they needed to consult the accused on the new evidence and then be ready, which they couldn't do up until today (Monday), so they need to see the accused and consult with him. That is why that case had to be postponed.”
Jika says the new evidence would only be divulged once this case goes to trial.
Bylsma is on trial for the murder of Sharnelle Hough (17) and her 16-year-old friend Marna Engelbrecht.
The girl's bodies were found in May last year at Stella’s high school hostel premises.
Sharnelle's body was found hanging from a banister and Marna's body was found in the bathroom.
Bylsma pleaded not guilty in the Vryburg Magistrate's Court in November last year.