Dominee’s wife forgives killer son

File image

File image

Published Nov 12, 2013

Share

Harrismith - The widow of a Free State dominee who was murdered by his adopted son last year forgave the killer on Tuesday.

However, he should bear the consequences of his actions, Dorothea Brits, 59, told the Harrismith Circuit Court.

Sergeant Mmako Mophiring said the matter was postponed to Thursday for sentencing.

The dominee's son, Martin Brits, 28, appeared with Elliot Mhlambi, 41,

Both have pleaded guilty to killing Dutch Reformed Church Rev Willem Brits, 60, and his son-in-law Gerhard Vermeulen, 25, in Harrismith on November 8 last year.

Mophiring said it was an emotional day in court as both Brit's wife and Vermeulen's mother took the stand to testify.

“Mrs (Dorothea) Brits said she forgave Martin, but added he should face the consequences of his actions,” said Mophiring.

The 59-year-old woman was seriously injured in the attack.

Vermeulen's mother told the court her son was at the wrong place at the wrong time and had no reason to be killed, said Mophiring.

Brits faced two charges of murder, one of attempted murder and one of robbery.

Mhlambi faced additional charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Sapa

Related Topics: