Johannesburg - A man who took part in a satanic ritual wished for power after “sacrificing” Kirsty Theologo, the High Court in Johannesburg, sitting in Palm Ridge, heard on Thursday.
Linden Wagner, who was the alleged mastermind of the plot, told the court he was unsure what the other participants had wished for.
He said he had explained to one of his co-accused, Courtney Daniels, what “soul-selling” was shortly after she was recruited to take part in the ritual.
“I explained that once you sell your soul, you get something out of it. I told her that once you sell your soul, you become a cold person. You can't smile or love.... You have no emotions,” Wagner testified.
Daniels sat with her head bowed while Wagner testified. Throughout the proceedings, she did not interact with her co-accused. The others sat together and spoke during court adjournments.
It appeared that none of their relatives were present in court.
They are accused of murdering of Theologo, 18, and attempting to murder her then 14-year-old friend, on a hill in Linmeyer, Johannesburg, in October 2011.
They were assaulted, doused with petrol and set alight. Theologo died of her injuries in hospital a week later. Her friend survived.
Wagner said he was aware of what he was doing, but had no control over himself. He, Daniels, Harvey Isha, and Robin Harwood 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 which were suspended.
The trial continues on Friday.
Sapa