A post-mortem on a 19-year old pupil who was murdered in a brutal assault with a handle of a pickaxe, a spade and a hammer could not be linked to injuries that the student sustained. Mary Waters High School matric learner, Aiden Andrews died in a Port Elizabeth hospital in September 2006, two days after he was allegedly attacked by five people.
A post-mortem on a 19-year old pupil who was murdered in a brutal assault with a handle of a pickaxe, a spade and a hammer could not be linked to injuries that the student sustained. Mary Waters High School matric learner, Aiden Andrews died in a Port Elizabeth hospital in September 2006, two days after he was allegedly attacked by five people.
Forensic pathologist, Dr Greg Ochabsai said a swelling of the brain had caused Aiden’s death. This could have been due to an injury, hypoxia (deprivation of oxygen) as well as infection.
“Like any other tissue of the body, when it is injured or infected, the brain can swell,” he said.
Ochabsai said he found no evidence of significant injuries-only superficial bruises, according to a medical report from Settlers Hospital where Aiden was taken after his attack,
“His (Aiden’s) assessment was good. He was fully conscious; there was no paralysis and no neurological injuries”.
Ochabsai said this explained why Aiden was discharged from Settlers the same day he was admitted and given only paracetomol, when he returned the following day; he was sent away and told that X-rays will be taken.
Epilepsy
Ochabsai told defence attorney, Chris Nel that Aiden had collapsed at the police station a day after the attack was because he had suffered an epileptic fit. Aiden was sent to hospital where he suffered repeated seizures. When his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Livingstone where he later died.
The doctor said Aiden’s death could have been attributed to his injuries if he had been unconscious throughout after his attack or if an intra-cerebral haemorrhage had been detected.
Nel said: “He basically walked in and out of hospital and was not unconscious.”
Family members, Elton Marks, Isaac Marks, Saul Marks, Rosheline Marks and Lungani Mavikela –have been charged with his murder. All pleaded not guilty. They also face a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm for allegedly attacking Aiden’s brother, Andrew.
Andrew testified during a previous court appearance that the accused attacked him first. He said he was struck with a pickaxe handle on the side of the head after he had tried to stop a fight between his brother and one of the accused.
Four of the accused denied being armed or attacking Aiden and his brother in testimony on 22 October. Marks will be cross-examined by state prosecutor, Zamuxolo Lugaju when the case resumes on 7 November.
