The trial of a Constantia businessman accused of killing his wife (Gill Packham) and burning her body has entered its second week in explosive fashion, as Monday saw Rob Packham's reputation take another battering.
This has been no ordinary case, largely due to Mr Packham's behaviour: He breached his bail conditions several times and wrote bizarre letters to his former mistress and other family friends. As EWN report, a southern suburbs neighbourhood watch member, a Diep River resident and his own daughter gave their evidence last week.
What injuries did Gill Packham suffer? But amid the more lurid details of the case, it was the cold, hard facts brought to the table by Pathologist Louise Friedling that came under intense scrutiny. The doctor revealed to the court the extent of Gill's injuries, in somewhat graphic detail. For sensitive readers, this is perhaps the best time to divert your attention elsewhere
Friedling told the courtroom that Mrs Packham suffered four severe blows to her skull. There were three blunt-force injuries to the right side of the skull, and another separate one on the left which is thought to have occurred after she died.
Dr Friedling then went to explain the possible causes. She was sceptical that an accident could have caused these injuries, adding that she'd have had to fall from a great height. She also details just how strong the skull is, saying it's the hardest bone in the body: It has to be struck with tremendous force to cause these types of fractures.
#Packham Friedling: This is the probable cause of death. The force was enough to fracture 2 of the strongest bones in the body. LI
EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) March 18, 2019 Pathologist speaks during Rob Packham trial Before being excused from the witness box, Friedling did entertain the possibility that Gill Packham could have been attacked while behind the wheel of her car. She suggested that the injuries were consistent with that theory, based on a specific side and height .
The victim's body was found in the boot of a burnt-out BMW near Diep River station in February 2018. Packham has maintained his innocence but famously had his bail revoked for stalking the state's witnesses.
The trial continues on Tuesday and may have to negotiate another round of load shedding. There were intermittent power cuts in the Western Cape High Court from 12:00 14:30 on Monday.
Tags: Constantiamurder trialSouth AfricaWestern Cape
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The trial of a Constantia businessman accused of killing his wife (Gill Packham) and burning her body has entered its second week in explosive fashion, as Monday saw Rob Packham's reputation take another battering.
