For the first time since her daughter was burnt alive in what police labelled a satanic ritual, Sylvia Theologo was ready to look at the faces of the six young people accused of the killing.
The grieving mother, who has been too distraught to attend any of the court hearings, arrived at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. It was time for her to support her deceased daughter’s spirit, she said.
“I have my good days and my bad days. I wasn’t ready until today. But now I’m stronger,” she commented.
In October, Kirsty Theologo, 18, and a younger friend were lured to a koppie near their homes in Townsview, Joburg. Kirsty was badly burnt when she and the friend were doused with petrol and set alight, allegedly by some of the accused.
The 14-year-old friend – who cannot be named because of her age – was badly burnt and had to undergo numerous skin graft operations.
A more seriously burnt Kirsty managed to carry the girl to safety. But Kirsty never survived and died in hospital a few days later.
Theologo said on Tuesday she was in shock seeing those she believed to be Kirsty’s best friends on the stand.
Lindon Wagner, 21, Lester Moody, 18, Jeremy King, 18, Harvey Isha, 23, Robin Harwood, 18, and a 15-year-old girl, who cannot be identified, stood in the dock.
The case was postponed to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions to take a decision on a possible plea bargain bid by King and Moody.
All six face a life sentence as they are charged with the premeditated murder of Kirsty and the attempted murder of her friend. Five of the six will remain in jail until the trial, while the girl remains in the custody of her legal guardian. - The Star