Griekwastad boy seeks bail extension

The 17-year-old boy's lawyer Riaan Bode launched an application for the extension of bail until the sentencing date.

 

He was convicted of killing a couple and their teenage daughter on their farm near Griekwastad, in the Northern Cape. The Northern Cape High Court also found him guilty of raping the girl and of defeating the ends of justice.

 

"I am satisfied that the minor accused committed all the offences," Northern Cape Judge President Frans Kgomo said as he handed down judgment.

 

Kgomo said the State had proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

 

"The murders were premeditated."

 

Deon Steenkamp, 44, his wife Christelle, 43, and daughter Marthella, 14, were shot on their farm Naauwhoek on April 6, 2012.

 

Kgomo held that the teenager raped the girl and lied to the police. He said the girl was tortured before her parents were killed execution style.

 

Kgomo said he wanted to refrain from saying anything of the boy's demeanour in the witness stand, but remarked that he did not show any emotion. He testified in a strong voice and did not become flustered when the State painted him into a corner.

 

The State told Kgomo the boy's bail fell away automatically following the guilty verdict. Prosecutor Hannes Cloete said the State would submit at least two reports before sentencing. One would be from a police psychologist and the other a victim impact report.

 

- Sapa