It was that time again in the car and off to Durban for the final saga in the Lotter trail. I would have liked to cover the judgement the previous week but had to attend my brothers marriage so I had to settle for the sentencing.
Hardus Lotter stood in the entrance to the holding cells for a long time before the court started. He stood there the whole time reading his bible. His sister Nicolette hid behind the wall while his co accused Mathew Naidoo hid behind the opposite wall. They waited for the judge to enter every time before the came into court and in so doing prevented the photographers from snapping good pics of them, because as you know we can only photograph while the judge is not in court.
Nicolette Lotter only came out when she wanted to speak to a family member or friends that were sitting next to the accused bench.
Ds. Willem Lotter the uncle of Hardus and Nicolette gave a very moving testimony for a ligther sentence to be given to the Lotter siblings. He said that it took him and his wife some time to come to terms with the gruesome murders and to forgive the Lotter siblings for what they did. As a sign they gave Hardus the present of forgiveness while he was still in jail awaiting trail on his 21st birthday.
Nicolette Lotter wanting to speak to her lawyer when court adjourned for a short while.
Nicolette speaking to family and friends as well as her uncle Ds. Willem Lotter.
Mathew Naidoo leaving the court room when court adjourned for a while.
Nicolette coming up from the holding cells to speak to family and friends.
Hardus waiting for court to start.
Mathew Naidoo mockingly told his advocate "Thanks Vijay" after he was sentenced to life in prison.
Hardus and Nicolette says their last farewells in court after they were sentenced to 12 years (Nicolette) and 10 years (Hardus) respectively in jail. Nicolette received 12 years on both counts of murder and Hardus 10 years on both counts, the sentences will run concurrently. Hardus will only be able to apply for parole in 6 years and Nicolette in 10 years.
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Die afrikaanse artikel deur Dries Liebenberg wat in Beeld verskyn het kan gelees word by: http://www.beeld.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Oom-getuig-oor-obsessie-met-toordery-20120319
lekker shots!
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