Mathew Naidoo, dubbed the “third son of God”, maintained his innocence after Judge Shyam Gyanda pronounced a guilty verdict.
Unfazed by the verdict, a confident Naidoo told journalists that he did not kill the Lotters, and neither did he plan the murder.
“The biggest mistake I made was falling in love with this chick,” said Naidoo, pointing to Nicolette.
Dressed in earthy tones, Naidoo sat in the dock with his arms folded, and told journalists that today was the first time, in three-and-a-half years that Nicolette had spoken to him.
“She told me to ‘shut up’ when I told her to be strong,” said Naidoo.
He said the guilty verdict did not bother him.
“I cannot say that I am not hurt, but I do not have anything against the judge or the prosecution,” said Naidoo after Judge Gyanda referred to him as a pathological liar and con artist while delivering judgment in the Durban High Court.
“I didn’t do this and I don’t care if I have been found guilty. At the end of the day I have no grievance with anyone. We live in an evil world. I just don't want to go to hell.”
When asked how he felt about being referred to as the third son of God during the entire trial, he retorted: “Then who is the second?”
Matthew also denied writing the letter saying that he was diagnosed as dyslexic during his matric year.
While journalists hurried to take pictures of an emotional Rita hugging her son, Mathew asked for privacy.
“C’mon guys. Can’t you see I’m talking with my mom,” said Naidoo, almost breaking out in an accent.
Rita Naidoo, who has been at her son’s side during the duration of the trial, even slapping him during one of the proceedings, broke down in the public gallery. She was comforted by friends and family, while gripping a navy blue face cloth to her face.
She told POST it was a lot to process.
“As a mother I still love my child and support him,” she said, referring to the verdict.
A close relative who refused to identify herself told journalists that they had heard everything and that they have nothing to hide.
Pastor Vasie Perumal laid his hands on Rita and prayed in the public gallery shortly after the verdict.
He prayed for Jesus to bring comfort to her.
“Pray for our dear mother that she will have comfort. We pray for the protection of the blood of Jesus for this innocent mother who was even falsely accused...”
His words produced a fresh set of tears as Rita became overcome with emotion.
Speaking to POST, Perumal said according to the Bible, “All sins are forgiven, beside blaspheming of the Holy Spirit.”
When asked how he planned to help Mathew going forward, he said:
“If he (Mathew) confesses his sin, God will forgive him. For in the Bible it states that: ‘We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord’.”
While leaving the court Pastor Perumal added: “Remember the Bible also states in Matthew 10 verse 21: Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.” - The Post