LIVE: Defence questions chief pathologist's objectivity in #Rohde trial
2017-11-28 10:06
The defence cross examines chief pathologist Deidre Abrahams as the murder trial of Jason Rohde resumes in the Western Cape High Court.
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ICYMI:
When Abrahams took the stand last week, she effectively tore to shreds the report of KwaZulu-Natal pathologist Dr Reggie Perumal, who conducted the second autopsy on Susan’s body.
She said Perumal's report mentioned the history of the case at the time, that she had hung herself, before he even conducted the autopsy.
"It may be an alleged history but not a factually proven history," she said.
Abrahams is asked if she knows that Dr Reggie Perumal is a senior man of standing in his profession. Abrahams says they are not here to discuss his track rercord, but his report on Susan.
Van der Spuy turns the tables on Dr Abrahams: Says she is paid by the State - does that mean she will tailor her findings in favour of the State? She says she does not.
Defence asks pathologist if she thinks defence should work for nothing? Abrahams says the Inquest Act requires independence at autopsy.
Defence questions pathologist's objectivity given her remarks on the "so-called opinion" of Dr Reggie Perumal, who did the second autopsy on Susan Rohde, and was paid by defence. Perumal found suicide. State found strangulation.
Judge arrives and Rohde trial resumes with pathologist Dr Abrahams reminded she is under oath, and some admin over the documents handed up.
ICYMI:
Pathologist's cross examination in Rohde trial halted
The Western Cape High Court trial of murder accused property mogul Jason Rohde has been postponed.
The postponement was granted to give Rohde’s defence team an opportunity to prepare to cross examine a pathologist, who observed the autopsy on his wife Susan.
Rohde is accused of murdering Susan at Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on July 24, 2016.
In the witness stand is Dr Deidre Abrahams, who is the chief pathologist in charge of the Western Cape government's Winelands and West Coast regions.
