Pokugara Properties Managing Director Michael John Van Blerk whose trial for charges of malicious damage to property had stalled due to alleged ill health has been declared fit and able to follow through court proceedings, according to an affidavit submitted to the Harare Magistrates Court by a medical doctor from Parirenyatwa General Hospital.
Van Blerk allegedly connived with controversial businessman Kenneth Raydon Sharpe and City of Harare officials to destroy a show house built by a Harare businessman George Katsimberis at the corner of Teviotdale and Whitwell Road, Borrowdale.
The show house was built as part of a joint venture agreement between Sharpe and Katsimberis to develop Pokugara Estate into a low-density residential area.
According to Dr Ropafadzo Muzvidziwa from Parirenyatwa general hospital, Van Blerk who was earlier reported to be suffering from depression and Catatonic epilepsy had applied to have his trial postponed to allow him to heal.
“I examined Michael John Van Blerk and noted he feels anxious and sad but no suicidal ideations. Michael John Van Blerk’s thoughts were organised with no hallucinations (hearing voices inside his head not seeing visions). Michael John Van Blerk blood tests were normal, his computer tomography scan of the brain was normal and the electroencephalogram was normal,” said Dr Muzvidziwa.
She recommended that Van Blerk attends psychotherapy for depression and anxiety but insisted that his current condition allowed him to follow through court proceedings.
“My opinion is that Michael John Van Blerk at the time of the alleged offence had no mental disorder but suffers from mild depression and anxiety. Michael John Van Blerk experienced an acute confessional state as a result of the stress of the trial.
“I recommend Michael John Van Blerk attends psychotherapy (talk treatment) for depression and anxiety. Michael John Van Blerk is now fit to stand trial and can follow through court proceedings,” she added.
Meanwhile, Harare magistrates’ court has separated Van Blerk him from his accomplices including former City of Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango and City Director of Works Engineer Isaiah Chawatama.
He will now stand on his own.