Cape Town - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it expected to add more charges in its case against murder accused Daniel Smit following his psychological evaluation at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital.
Smit is currently on trial for the murder of 13-year-old Jerobejin van Wyk, whose dismembered body was found on his property in Klawer days after the teen went missing while reportedly stealing mangoes from Smit’s home.
Smit appeared in the Klawer Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning, where a report from psychologist CWA van Zyl revealed more shocking details about Smit’s occult history and Jerobejin’s murder.
NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said: “Daniel Smit appeared at the Klawer Magistrate’s Court this morning. He is now charged with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, defeating the administration of justice and failure to report an accident to the police.
“More charges are likely to be added as the investigation continues. The DNA report, two witness statements, cellphone plotting analysis and crime scene details are still outstanding.”
Van Zyl’s report revealed that Smit allegedly joined a Chinese cult at the age of 13 and studied religious and traditional rituals and Satanism literature.
It also stated that Smit had seen two children in his yard stealing fruit.
“The one minor, Jerobejin, was mocking him, after which he lost control and he chased him in his vehicle, in broad daylight, fully exposed to the cameras and general public.
“He bumped Jerobejin, pulled him into his vehicle and took him to his home, knowing very well that people would know about the incident. In his home, he gave Jerobejin bread and cooldrink and then broke his neck.
“His daughter was also in the house, but apparently she didn’t see anything, even when he proceeded to put Jerobejin’s body into the freezer.
“The next day he went about his day as usual, and upon his return home, he gave his daughter sleeping tablets to allow himself to conduct a preplanned ritual.
“He then took Jerobejin’s body, dismembered it and burnt the body parts in his fireplace. The parts that would not completely burn – (which) he then threw in the septic tank of the sewage system – were what municipal workers later discovered.”
Van Zyl recommended that Smit be further evaluated at a relevant psychiatric hospital.
Ntabazalila confirmed that Smit’s defence applied for their client to be referred to Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital for further observation following the report from van Zyl.
“The State did not oppose the application. The case was postponed to May 23 for the 30-day observation and June 27 for further investigation of the case. The accused will be in court on May 23 2022,” Ntabazalila said.