Local News
GWStad murder trial: Sentencing on August 13─── SABRINA DEAN 16:17 Tue, 24 Jun 2014
Sabrina Dean
Kimberley - Sentencing of the minor found guilty of the Griekwastad triple murder has been postponed to August 13.
The Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley today heard closing arguments by defence attorney Riaan Bode and state advocate Hannes Cloete.
A 17-year-old boy was earlier this year found guilty of the murders of Deon, Christel and Marthella Steenkamp on their farm Naauwhoek in April 2012.
The minor was also convicted of one count of rape and defeating the ends of justice.
Cloete earlier told the court the cocoon of sympathy surrounding the minor made it easier for him to continue denying guilt. He highlighted manipulative characteristics and said continued support for the boy is worrying because it further indicates how he has continuously lied to those closest to him over the last two years.
Cloete earlier told the court the cocoon of sympathy surrounding the minor made it easier for him to continue denying guilt. He highlighted manipulative characteristics and said continued support for the boy is worrying because it further indicates how he has continuously lied to those closest to him over the last two years.
Cloete says if the child had been four months older at the time he committed the crimes the state would have asked for life sentences. Instead it has requested the court to hand down a sentence of 15 years for the rape charge, 25 years for each of the three murders and five years for defeating the ends of justice, to run concurrently.
Judge Frans Kgomo again highlighted the volume of evidence submitted during sentencing proceedings, saying he would need sufficient time to contemplate everything he has heard before handing down sentence.
Sabrina Dean:
