De Jager guilty of rape and murder

Capetown-140303-Murder accused Johannes de Jager in the Western Cape High Court-BR

Capetown-140303-Murder accused Johannes de Jager in the Western Cape High Court-BR

Published Apr 29, 2014

Share

Cape Town - The Western Cape High Court on Tuesday found Johannes Christiaan de Jager guilty of raping and strangling Cape Town prostitute Hiltina Alexander in 2008.

“In the circumstances, an inference can be drawn by this court that the person responsible for these offences could only be the accused,” acting Judge Chuma Cossie said in handing down judgment.

“In my view, the State has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt in respect of charges one, two and three, and therefore the accused is found guilty as charged in respect of those charges.”

De Jager had pleaded not guilty to two charges of raping Alexander, vaginally and anally, and to her murder.

Cossie said that even though the evidence presented by the State was circumstantial in nature, it had remained unchallenged by the accused in many material respects.

She said an expert had concluded that fingernail swabs and nail clippings taken from Alexander contained a mixture of both her own DNA and that of De Jager.

In court was Alexander's mother Zenobia Solomon, who sobbed.

De Jager's ex-girlfriend Carol White was also present.

De Jager is also accused of killing and dismembering 16-year-old Mpumalanga resident Charmaine Mare in January last year.

Judgement continues. - Sapa

Related Topics: