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
eNCA
10 hours ago
- eNCA
SA lawyer forces US tech giant to name site users
JOHANNESBURG - In a story similar to the Biblical David and Goliath, a South African lawyer and owner of the Digital Law Company has forced a US tech giant to disclose information about explicit content. The lawyer, Emma Sadlier, made WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram owner Meta Platforms disclose the information of users posting explicit content of South African schoolchildren. The Digital Law Company discovered over 1,000 explicit posts of children, including videos and photos, published by 30 Meta accounts in just a few days.
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
Khayelitsha court hears disturbing details of 7-year-old's rape and murder
Community members protested outside the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court after two suspects were charged with rape and murder. Lolitha Kowa was found raped and murdered in Khayelitsha. Picture: Facebook. Content warning: This article contains graphic details of child murder and rape, which some readers may find disturbing. Disturbing details emerged from the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court in Cape Town regarding the rape and murder of seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa on Friday. The Khayelitsha girl was reported missing on Tuesday evening after she failed to return home. She was last seen at a family friend's place. Tragically, the next morning, a South African Police Service (Saps) sniffer dog led investigators to a nearby residence on Sindwadwa Street, Kuyasa, Khayelitsha, just six houses away from Lolitha's home. Khayelitsha girl's dead body found six houses away from home The girl was found with visible head injuries, and she was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. Investigators also discovered blood on a mop and the floor at the scene. Further investigation led to the arrest of two suspects: Odwa Jack (33) and Nokuthula Matyenisi (33). ALSO READ: Further delays in case as Amber Lee Hughes admits to killing lover's four-year-old daughter On Friday morning, a large group of community members, leaders, and activists gathered in protest of gender-based violence in front of the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court, where the suspects appeared. The state presented disturbing preliminary results to a courtroom packed with law enforcement officers, community members, and media representatives. 'According to the prosecution, the child was found with a screwdriver lodged in her head and a sock in her mouth,' said Western Cape police spokesperson Captain Piet Smit. Postmortem results prompt rape charge Blood was discovered not only in the accused's home but also in Accused 1 Odwa Jack's car. 'Postmortem results also revealed the presence of semen, prompting the addition of a rape charge,' Smit added. The accused appeared in court briefly before the matter was remanded to 1 August for further investigation. ALSO READ: Zimbabwean man accused of raping landlord's daughter denied bail The state has requested a full criminal profile review for both individuals. Jack and Matyenisi will remain in custody. Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Msolo arrested both suspects on the same day at the scene of the crime. 'It's become a high-profile case, but my focus is on investing and bringing justice for the child,' he said. Bringing justice for Lolitha While the community was protesting outside, Ward 99 councillor Lonwabo Mqina told broadcasters there is no space for crime in the Khayelitsha community. 'We will unite as the community of Ward 99 and Khayelitsha broadly to fight against crime,' Mqina said. He added that discovering the child had also been raped during the brutal attack was both shocking and deeply upsetting. ALSO READ: Gqeberha pastor denied bail in murdered 12-year-old sister-in-law case 'When we were there yesterday, we were just shattered. We couldn't even say anything because it hurt us so much to hear that she was also raped,' the community leader said. Meanwhile, anti-GBV group Ilitha Labantu called for swift justice following Jack and Matyenisi's arrest. 'The murder of a child is a heartbreaking tragedy and a painful reflection of a society lacking effective protective systems for its most vulnerable. It exposes the gaps in community safety and the absence of coordinated responses needed to prevent violence against children,' the organisation said. 'The circumstances surrounding Lolitha's death are not isolated; they are part of a pattern of escalating brutality that must be met with coordinated action and urgency.' Anti-GBV, womens' rights groups call for justice Lady Liberty SA called on South Africans to join them in seeking justice for Lolitha. 'We stand with her family, the community, and every child who deserves safety and protection. Let's raise our voices for change,' stated the NPO that extends access to justice to all women. NOW READ: Lusikisiki mass murder trial to kick off next week, NPA confirms
The Citizen
17 hours ago
- The Citizen
LifeLine hosted a community engagement at Norwood Police Station
LifeLine Johannesburg, in partnership with Norwood Police Station and other stakeholders, hosted a community talk in celebration of Mandela Month on July 25 in Norwood Police Station's blue room. LifeLine's social auxiliary worker, Doreen Moagi, added that the day also highlighted 'Orange Day', which was observed every 25th day of the month to support victims of gender-based violence. 'We invite stakeholders to come join us in understanding what their [victims'] challenges are, and what they want us to help them with.' Also read: Kingsmead College takes police victim room mural with both hands Sanca community development worker, Tebogo Somo, said she was in attendance as a stakeholder who was responsible for school talks and community talks. 'I'm here for the one-on-one stakeholder engagement whereby communities are asking questions based on the work that we do, or on the issues that they are facing as community members.' Norwood's Youth Crime Prevention secretary, Tamara Barnwell, added that the day's proceedings were in celebration of Nelson Mandela's legacy and the power of community is what she stood for but specifically on youth crime prevention. Also read: Norwood police commend law enforcement partners for successful operations Barnwell added that she specifically deals with youth crime prevention, anti-bullying campaigns and anti-substance abuse campaigns. It was also important for her to empower the youth so that they could report suspicious behaviour that might lead to criminality. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
