A manhunt has been launched and a warrant of arrest issued for Delft resident Levonna Jacobs, who is on trial for the murder of her aunt and cousin and accused of burying them in their own backyard.
This after Jacobs, 38, who is out on bail, on Monday failed to appear at the Cape High Court, where counsel was expected to do their closing arguments, and Judge Mushtak Parker was to deliver his verdict.
Shortly after Parker issued the warrant, police launched a manhunt for Jacobs, who lives in Elsies River.
Her lawyer, Advocate Johannes Solomons, informed the court he was unable to reach his client.
He told Judge Mushtak Parker he had no objection to the decision that her bail be revoked and a warrant be issued for her arrest.
“I have no problem with a warrant being issued,” said Solomons.
“I called her but the phone is off and I do not know her whereabouts.”
State prosecutor Carine Theunissen asked that cellphone records be used to locate Jacobs: “I will request that cellphone records be used for her latest cellphone number to establish her last location.”
Parker then revoked Jacobs’ bail-in absentia.
“Mr Solomons do you have objections, with immediate effect a warrant to be issued? The matter is postponed to November 19,” said Parker.
Virna Jacobs, 47, and her only child, Rowena Jacobs, 25.
It’s believed Jacobs last reported to the Elsies River Police Station last Wednesday, where she signed in, as per her bail conditions.
The State is set to prove Jacobs suffocated her aunt Virna Jacobs, 47, and cousin Rowena Jacobs, 26, to death and she buried them in their backyard.
Their bodies were dug up in December 2015.
It is alleged she wanted to get her hands on their house in Sering Street, Delft-South, which previously belonged to her uncle, Donovan Jacobs.
Donovan died in March 2015 after he was attacked during a fight over a hamburger.
Virna’s sister, Nonita Witbooi, told the Daily Voice outside court yesterday they wanted police to catch Jacobs so she could finally go to prison.
“If she is caught now, then she will finally be behind bars. She knew that it would maybe be judgement and didn’t come to court.”
If you have seen Jacobs, please contact the investigating officer, Captain Joubert on 082 302 7114.