Zurenah Smit's emotional breakdown delays high-profile murder trial

PROCEEDINGS in the Western Cape High Court ground to a halt Wednesday morning when accused husband killer Zurenah Smit broke down inconsolably as she was made to recount the night of his murder.

- CHEVON BOOYSEN

COURT halted as Zurenah Smit broke down recounting her husband Stefan Smit's 2019 murder.

(CHEVON BOOYSEN)

Smit was being led by her defence attorney Susan Kuun with regard to the murder charge she faces.

It was Smit's testimony that she and Stefan Smit were having supper with a friend on the evening of the murder when she said they heard “a huge noise”.

Again assisted by a court translator due to her being inaudible, Smit told the court: “I heard...I saw this dark side of someone rushing...screaming ‘money where is the money?. And I screamed.

“Later in my nightmares, I remember being strangled (and) being lifted off my feet. I remember being pulled up from the floor and being thrown down beside Amelia,” said Smit before she started sobbing on the witness stand.

Proceedings were halted briefly for her to compose herself however the matter was adjourned due to Smit being unable to continue testimony in her emotional state.