INLSA
Dutch Reformed Church dominee Willem Lotter, the uncle of convicted killers Nicolette and Hardus Lotter, would “definitely” testify today on the family’s feelings about his nephew and niece, Nicolette’s lawyer Theuns Botha has confirmed.
He said Lotter and his sister, police officer Antoinette Lotter, had visited the siblings at Westville prison since the murders of their parents, Johan and Rickie, at their Westville home in July 2008.
Botha said he would ask Lotter about the family’s intentions in its future relationship with the siblings and how they feel about them now.
The Mercury understands that Nicolette also wants to call Pentecostal Pastor Leon van Assenderp, who testified that he believed the siblings were possessed by evil forces on killing their parents.
Nicolette wants to work with Van Assenderp while Hardus, it emerged in court last week, wants to work with Pastor Danny Israel, who said Hardus could live with him when he left prison.
Last week, Durban High Court Judge Shyam Gyanda found Hardus, Nicolette and her former boyfriend, Mathew Naidoo, guilty of the murders.
He said while he believed the siblings had been under the influence of Naidoo – who convinced them he was the son of God and that God had wanted their parents dead – they were still criminally responsible for their actions.
All three now face life imprisonment – unless the judge finds compelling mitigating circumstances.
The judge has already indicated that the siblings’ defence of being brainwashed and of “coercive influence” was possibly a mitigating factor.
A legal source said it was unlikely they would avoid a prison sentence.
“It really is a case of how long. The judge will be mindful of sending a message that you cannot kill your parents and get away with it.”
The trio will be sentenced today or tomorrow.
