Murder accused opt to stay in jail

FREITAG KILLING: COUPLE ABANDONS BAIL APPLICATION

- Cornelia le Roux

State requests postponement until 12 August.

The two prime suspects in the investigation for the brutal murder of former high jump world champion Jacques Freitag made their third appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court yesterday morning.

Former lawyer Rudolph "Rudie" Lubbe, 52, and his lover Shantellè Oosthuizen, 42, abandoned their bail applications with the state requesting a postponement until 12 August for further investigation.

According to the charge sheet, the couple is accused of conspiring "unlawfully and wilfully" with Freitag between May and June this year to murder Oosthuizen's fiance Louis Harmse.

They have also been charged with the murder of Freitag, 42.

In comparison to the tailored suit and tie in which he previously appeared in court, an unshaven Lubbe made his appearance with unbrushed hair and a light grey tracksuit top.

Speaking to The Citizen following their bail hearing, Steve Hefferman from Hefferman Attorneys, who is handling the couple's legal representation along with Shaun Hefferman and advocate Jack Bester, said they will be remanded in custody at the Pretoria Moot Police Station.