The three alleged killers of the wife of a former National Party cabinet minister have denied the charges of murder and aggravated assault against them.
The accused - Morena Alpheus Selepe, 26, Nkosana Joseph Skhosana, 22, and a 17-year-old boy, who is alleged to be the mastermind - have denied killing Sandra Rabie and attacking Jac Rabie, a former minister of population development, on December 14 2006 at their Windmill Park, Boksburg, home.
The three distanced themselves from allegations that they brutally assaulted the former minister and his wife in their home.
Rabie died on April 29 this year, but his wife died from her injuries during the attack. She had a broken neck.
The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, was known to the Rabies.
The accused have also pleaded not guilty to charges of housebreaking with intent to rob; robbery with aggravating circumstances; arson; and the illegal possession of firearms. None of the accused gave a plea explanation.
The state alleges the three were responsible for the attack on the Rabies.
According to the prosecution, they entered the house intending to steal the Rabies' Chrysler Neon; a Sony digital video camera with accessories; an Olympus camera with lens attachments; two digital cameras; and five wristwatches from the safe. Also missing from the house after the robbery were an undisclosed number of documents from the safe, two suitcases containing clothes, a DVD player, several DVD movies and two cellphones.
The state further argues the three, after taking the former minister's vehicle, drove it to Orange Farm, south of Joburg, where they set it alight.
The state was unable to lead evidence because of a power failure. The case was postponed until Tuesday.