Griquatown: sentencing phase starts

The lawyer for the 17-year-old Griquatown triple murder accused, Riaan Bode, at the Kimberley High Court. Picture: Danie Van der Lith

The lawyer for the 17-year-old Griquatown triple murder accused, Riaan Bode, at the Kimberley High Court. Picture: Danie Van der Lith

Published May 12, 2014

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Kimberley - Pre-sentencing reports for the 17-year-old accused who was found guilty of murdering the Steenkamp family on their farm Naauwhoek near Griquatown two years ago, will be presented before the Northern Cape High Court on Tuesday.

Deon Steenkamp, 44, his wife Christel, 43, and their daughter Marthella, 14, died of multiple gunshot wounds to their heads and bodies on Good Friday in 2012.

The minor has been incarcerated in the youth detention section at the Kimberley Prison since March 27, when he was found guilty of the premeditated murder of the three family members as well as the rape of Marthella and defeating the ends of justice.

A source stated that the accused was coping well under the circumstances.

The trial has been set down to continue until Friday (May 16) during which a correctional services official, the probation officer, a forensic psychologist and a criminologist are expected to testify on the accused’s traits, behaviour and ability to rehabilitate.

Relatives of the accused are also expected to give testimony this week.

An impact assessment report will be handed in to determine the impact of the murders on relatives of the deceased as well as the broader community of Griquatown.

The prosecution is calling for the maximum sentence to be imposed because of the seriousness of the crimes.

A legal expert stated that, because of the circumstances, this case was the first of its kind in South Africa.

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