The magistrate who presided over the case of a woman who allegedly conspired to kill Blue Bulls rugby player Deon Helberg has recused himself from the case.
Magistrate Edmond Peterson said he did not feel comfortable to continue with the case.
"I made certain findings during the bail application and it puts me in an uncomfortable position," he said, explaining his decision at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court.
"It is in everyone's best interests if the matter is referred to another magistrate."
He had granted Amanda Reyneke, 47, a book-keeper from Silver Lakes, east of Pretoria, R5000 bail in November and she volunteered to check herself into a mental institution.
She is accused of hiring two men to kill Helberg after he broke off their relationship.
Reyneke is the mother of Helberg's girlfriend at the time, Jalien.
The case was postponed to October 11 for plea and trial.
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