Johannesburg - Murder accused Lindon Wagner, who allegedly poured petrol on teenager Kirsty Theologo before setting her alight, is “wise and friendly,” a Johannesburg court heard on Tuesday.
“He is wise and very friendly and when he has drunk alcohol he wants everyone around him to be comfortable and have a good time,” co-accused Harvey Isha told the High Court sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court.
He was being cross-examined by Lydia van Niekerk, for Wagner.
Isha, 24, is on trial with Robin Harwood, Wagner, and Courtney Daniels for the murder of Theologo, 18, the attempted murder of her 14-year-old friend, and for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. All have pleaded not guilty.
Two other accused, Jeremy King and Lester Moody, confessed to the crime and were each sentenced to 17 years' imprisonment, five of them suspended.
Theologo and her friend were tied up, doused with petrol, and set alight on a hill in Linmeyer, south of Johannesburg, on October 21, 2011. Theologo died in hospital but her friend survived.
According to witnesses' testimonies, Wagner poured petrol on Theologo and her friend before setting them alight in an apparent satanic ritual.
Isha said Wagner, whom he spent time with at his place, was “easy to go with”.
“You always feel at home at his flat. He is an easy and friendly guy.”
Isha testified he did not know about the apparent plan to “sacrifice” Theologo.
He told the court he watched in shock as his friends manhandled the two girls and tied them up.
He ran away when he saw Wagner pour petrol on the girls before setting them alight, he said.
The group had been smoking dagga and later drank vodka mixed with juice as they sat around a fire on the hill.
Isha's cross-examination will continue on Wednesday. - Sapa