SABRINA DEAN
Criminologist Eon Sonnekus has told the Northern Cape High Court that he was definitely not manipulated by the minor accused in the Griekwastad murder case during interviews.
Sonnekushas just finished reading his report into the record during sentencing proceedings, which resumed today. A 17-year-old minor was earlier this year found guilty of the murders of Deon, Christel and Marthella Steenkamp on their farm Naauwhoek in April 2012. The minor was also convicted of one count of rape and defeating the ends of justice.
Defence attorney Riaan Bode asked Sonnekus about the possibility of manipulation, to which he replied that his 27 years of experience guarded against this. He has not recommended a term of sentence, saying this is up to the judge. He did recommend direct imprisonment but said support is important and any form of imprisonment should be near to his guardian and other support structures.
The state is expected to begin cross examination when the case resumes after lunch.
