Satanic trial continues

The trial of three men and a girl accused of killing teenager Kirsty Theologo by setting her alight in an apparent satanic ritual is expected to continue in the High Court sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on Friday.

 

On Thursday, 19-year-old Lester Moody's cross-examination continued. Moody and Jeremy King entered into a plea bargain with the State in a bid to get a lesser sentence after admitting to the crime. In return he is testifying against Lindon Wagner, Robin Harwood, Harvey Isha, and Courtney Daniels.  All four have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault to cause grievous bodily harm.

 

Moody told the court he was "drugged up" on dagga on the afternoon of the crime, in October 21, 2011. He admitted that he had become addicted to dagga. Moddy was also questioned on the "ritual" killing's biblical reference. "You got the idea of burning the prostitute and eating her flesh, stripping her naked, from Revelations 17?" defence advocate

Enrico Guarneri asked Moody. "Yes," he said.

 

"Did Kirsty represent a great prostitute ruling over the kings of the world," Guarneri asked. "Yes," responded Moody. "Yes? And what city was she ruling over?" he asked.   "Johannesburg," Moody responded. Chuckling and giggling broke out in court when Moody gave his response. Guarneri had read Moody the passage from Revelations 17:15-16.

Earlier, Moody told the court the ritual was based on that Bible verse and the satanic elements were only added at a later stage.

 

Theologo was 18 when she was doused with petrol and set alight on a hill behind the Linmeyer swimming pool, near Julius Street, Johannesburg. She died of her injuries a week later at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Her friend, who was 14 at the time, was also burnt but survived. Moody said he had feelings of remorse but ignored them as he ran 

from the mountain on the day.

 

- Sapa