Alleged De Deur serial killer: Verdict expected in Gauteng High Court tomorrow
Sedibeng Ster reports that Boomgaard is accused of murdering three people between 2012 and 2020.
Judge John Holland-Muter noted during closing arguments that the evidence against Boomgaard is overwhelming, especially concerning the murders of British citizen Harry Nathvani and his girlfriend, Lynette Mustapha.
Boomgaard, who pleaded not guilty, appeared emotionless when prosecutor André Wilsenach argued that the only correct conclusion that could be drawn was that Boomgaard was directly involved in the crimes.
The state's case against Boomgaard relies largely on circumstantial evidence, but the evidence is convincing.
Nathvani's burnt body was found in De Deur in March 2020.
It is suspected that he was strangled and attacked with a blunt object.
Forensic evidence linked Boomgaard's vehicle to the crime scene, and highway cameras showed that her car was near the location where the body was found on the day of the murder.
In addition, police found Nathvani's cellphone at the accused's residence months after his death.
Investigators determined that Boomgaard had conducted internet searches on the deceased's estate.
The deceased's bank cards were also used for large transactions after his death.
Mustapha was murdered in August 2020, and her body was dumped near Nathvani's.
Investigators also discovered forged wills in Boomgaard's possession, naming her as Mustapha's sole heir. A handwriting expert confirmed that the wills were forged.
Boomgaard initially implicated her late brother, Prem Basdeo, in the murders, but later retracted her statement.
The judge noted that these varying accounts weakened her credibility.
Although the state conceded that there was limited evidence about a third alleged victim, John Naisby, both victims (Nathvani and Naisby) visited Boomgaard before they disappeared.
As the trial draws to a close, the court must decide whether the weight of circumstantial evidence is sufficient for a conviction.
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Another lie? Joslin's mom has 'dream' of her location
Social media users are reacting to rumours that Kelly Smith reportedly had a 'dream' about the location of her missing child, Joslin Smith. This comes as police confirmed that they were following up on new leads in the informal settlement of Middelpos. In May, the Saldanha Bay woman and two others, Jacquin 'Boeta' Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, were convicted and sentenced by Western Cape High Court judge Nathan Erasmus for kidnapping and child trafficking. Last February, the blonde-haired, green-eyed girl disappeared from her home. According to witnesses, she was allegedly sold to a sangoma for the purposes of 'muti'. On social media, South Africans have been speculating after police confirmed that they were following up on new information about the disappearance of Joslin Smith. Many referred to a rumour that the little girl's mother – Kelly Smith – had 'dreamt' that Joslin was dead. She claimed her remains were located in Middelpos, where the Smith family resided. One Facebook user posted, 'Kelly apparently had a dream that she is buried in a drain in the cemetery behind Middelpos. Kelly is playing games.' Another added: 'Kelly Smith is probably the one who helped dig the hole then. Her hands and arms were full of sand'. A third added: 'I think that Kelly has possibly given the investigating officers information regarding who exactly it was that she sold Joslin to'. Is Joslin Smith still alive? According to rumours, her mother believes she is dead and her remains are buried near her home. Images via YouTube screenshot: SABC News. During an eight-week trial, witnesses relayed how Kelly Smith bragged about selling her daughter to a sangoma for R20 000. She also allegedly claimed her child had been trafficked by a Nigerian man. Kelly reportedly told her sister that Joslin could also be 'hiding' in the Middelpos informal settlement. Kelly and her co-accused refused to testify in court. In a statement, police confirmed that they were following up on new leads in the active investigation into Joslin Smith's disappearance. It read: 'SAPS teams led by detectives with K-9 members, search and rescue teams, and local police have been scouring an identified area in Saldanha Bay. Whether the ongoing search will yield any success remains to be seen. 'It is worth reiterating that police have an obligation to follow up and test all information that is brought to their attention'. Police appealed to the public to give them space and time to perform their duties as the investigation continues.' Meanwhile, Kelly Smith, Jacquin Appollis, and Steven van Rhyn will appeal their life sentences for kidnapping and child trafficking relating to Joslin Smith. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the trio will appear in the Western Cape High Court on 12 and 13 August. He said: 'All three have filed papers challenging both conviction and sentence. The NPA will oppose the applications, and we are confident that there are no prospects of success. State witness Lourentia Lombaard – a former accused – has yet to hear her fate from Judge Nathan Erasmus. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
One-legged man steals cop car from Umhlali Saps
In a plot twist that could make Fast & Furious look sluggish, a 60-year-old Umhlali resident with one leg was arrested today after allegedly boosting a police vehicle from right under the noses of the cops. Yes, you read that correctly – a man with a single leg reportedly outpaced a station full of officers and drove off in a patrol car from Umhlali Saps premises on Saturday morning. According to police spokesperson Priya Nunkumar-Bukum, the stolen ride was tracked down in Ballito thanks to swift teamwork between Umhlali Police and E2 partners. 'The vehicle was recovered and the suspect was arrested by police,' Nunkumar-Bukum confirmed. The suspect now faces a charge of theft of a motor vehicle – and possibly one for audacity. As for how exactly a one-legged man managed to hotwire, enter and escape in a police vehicle without anyone noticing? That's the million-rand question. Police say the matter is under investigation and we suspect someone is in for a rather awkward debriefing. Let this be a reminder: never underestimate a man with a plan – and a prosthetic. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Gayton McKenzie suspends Kenny Kunene: 'Hardest letter I've ever written'
Patriotic Alliance (PA) president Gayton McKenzie has officially suspended the party's deputy president, Kenny Kunene, amid mounting controversy surrounding his alleged association with accused murder syndicate kingpin, Katiso Molefe. The suspension was confirmed in a statement issued by McKenzie, who stressed the importance of transparency, internal accountability, and public trust. 'Until such time as he is fully cleared, [Kunene] will not act or work in any official capacity within the Patriotic Alliance,' said Gayton McKenzie. He added that Kunene had agreed to cooperate with a formal investigation led by an independent legal team. The process, according to McKenzie, is already underway, with appointments of investigators being finalised. Kunene's suspension follows his public admission that he was present at Molefe's Sandton home at the time of the alleged crime figure's dramatic arrest. Molefe is accused of orchestrating the 2022 assassination of popular musician DJ Sumbody. Although Kunene insists he has no personal relationship with Molefe – claiming he was merely accompanying a journalist for an exclusive interview – the association drew widespread public criticism and placed pressure on the PA to act. In addition to being suspended from party duties, Kunene has stepped down as a Proportional Representation Councillor and as the Mayoral Committee Member for Transport in the City of Johannesburg. 'I have decided to step aside from public life while the party satisfies itself regarding the allegations raised against me,' Kunene wrote in his resignation letter, adding that he views the claims as 'unfounded.' Gayton McKenzie's swift action is seen as an attempt to protect the PA's public image, particularly as the party continues to build influence in local municipalities. He called on party supporters to 'remain steadfast' during this 'challenging period.' Political analysts note that the move marks a test of McKenzie's leadership and the PA's commitment to clean governance as it positions itself as a growing force in South African politics. The outcome of the internal investigation will likely determine whether Kunene makes a political comeback – or whether this suspension marks the end of his political career. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
