Cape Town - Convicted of murder, activist Angy Peter fought back tears while a social worker told the Western Cape High Court that her four children might be separated and grow up without their parents.
Peter, 34, remained composed for much of the sentencing proceedings on Monday.
But when the court heard about her children she bowed her head to wipe her eyes while her husband, Isaac Mbadu, 27, who sat beside her in the dock, held her hand.
The couple were back in court on Monday alongside Azola Dayimani, 27, and Christopher Dina, 27, following their last appearance where all four were found guilty of the murder and kidnapping of Rowan du Preez.
Du Preez was necklaced in Mfuleni in October 2012, and died in hospital following events related to a stolen TV set.
In his judgment, Judge Robert Henney found that the murder was premeditated and that the four had acted in common purpose.
All four were initially out on bail but this was withdrawn following their conviction.
On Monday, social worker Astrid Klaaste told the court the convicted couple’s four children were currently living with a family friend. The friend had two children of her own and would not be able to keep the four children semi-permanently, and neither could any of the couple’s relatives.
William King, SC, for Peter and Mbadu, asked her if there were plans to “split the children”.
Klaaste said that not only would they be split but they could be taken away from their family.
During interviews with the children, Klaaste determined they had a loving family relationship.
Klaaste said that during an interview, Peter, a founding member of the Social Justice Coalition (SJC), maintained her innocence, saying she “does not take any responsibility” for the crime and she was convinced she was a victim of a corrupt police and justice system.
Following Klaaste’s evidence Judge Henney asked that the matter of the children be prioritised by Klaaste’s department, because it was the court’s duty to take care of the interests of the children.
Klaaste said Mbadu, who also worked with the SJC, also maintained his innocence, saying he was a victim of police corruption due to his wife’s involvement in exposing this.
“He said he was falsely accused as he was at home, sleeping, when the offences occurred,” Klaaste said.
The matter is expected to continue on Tuesday.
Cape Argus