Local News
GWStad murder trial: Appeal will be lodged against sentence and judgment─── SABRINA DEAN 14:40 Fri, 15 Aug 2014
Sabrina Dean
Kimberley - An informed source has confirmed to OFM News that an appeal will be lodged against both the sentence and the judgment in the Griekwastad triple murder case.
The minor convicted of murdering Deon, Christel and Marthella Steenkamp on their farm Naauwhoek in April 2012 was this week sentenced in the Northern Cape High Court. Although the boy celebrates his eighteenth birthday in prison today, it is still unclear whether a standing order preventing his identity from being revealed has been automatically lifted, or whether an application must be filed for it to be overturned.
The boy was sentenced to 20 years for each of the three murders, 12 years for the rape of Marthella and four years for defeating the ends of justice, all served concurrently.
A source today confirmed that preparations are underway to lodge an appeal, on various grounds, against the judgment. The Registrar’s office meanwhile confirmed that no appeal documents have yet been filed, adding that these need to be submitted within 14 court days from the date of sentencing.
The child does not need to apply for leave to appeal because he was younger than 16 at the time the crimes were committed.
