Pretoria - Gang-rape and torture victim Ina Bonette began distrusting “Modimolle monster” Johan Kotze when he lied about having cancer, the High Court in Pretoria heard on Wednesday.
She had access to pathologists through her work and found out he lied about his cancer, which led her to end their marriage.
She never saw him as a violent man until he tortured her and killed her son.
Kotze, Andries Sithole, Pieta Mohlane and Frans Mphaka are accused of murdering Bonette's son Conrad on January 3 this year and of kidnapping, repeatedly raping, and attempting to murder Bonette.
On Tuesday, Bonette gave details about her day of horror while she lay tied up and gagged on a bed.
Kotze had, among other things, cut off both her nipples, forced a nail into the open wounds and encouraged his three co-accused to take turns to rape her, she told the court.
She heard her son begging for mercy before Kotze allegedly shot him.
Bonette broke down during questioning by Kotze's advocate Bernard Bantjes.
Bantjes told her he acknowledged her severe trauma, but had to clear up certain aspects of the case.
She said she still loved Kotze after leaving him in March 2011, but felt she was losing her identity and self-respect because of his manipulation.
He used to hold family meetings at which he told her parents and children how bad she was and how undisciplined her household was.
Despite her misgivings she still loved him and decided to give him a second chance when he begged her for a reconciliation.
She said she never saw Kotze's conduct as aggressive and had not expected the violent attack on January 3.
She denied that her parents and Conrad were the cause of her marital problems and said it had been her personal decision to leave Kotze the first time.
The trial continues. - Sapa