'Sunday Rapist' a psychopath: clinical psychologist

The man dubbed the "Sunday Rapist" is a psychopath, a clinical psychologist told the High Court sitting in Alberton.

Francois Visser said he believed Johannes Jacobus Steyn lacked remorse and empathy, had poor self-control, and was a pathological liar who lived in a fantasy world.

"He has no regard for others... He is selfish and self-centred," said Visser.

"He also accepts no responsibility for his actions."

Visser said he believed Steyn was not only a danger to society, but also a danger to his wife.

He told the court that in his experience as a psychologist, he had never heard of a rehabilitated psychopath.

Steyn had refused to meet with the psychologist.

Therefore, Visser's report was compiled through information and documents from the police.

Visser said he also observed that Steyn was enjoying the media attention and it made him feel famous and important.

Steyn had said he was willing to give an exclusive interview to a journalist from a particular publication.

A woman who had an extra-marital affair with Steyn, testified that he had started writing a book on his life since his arrest.

She said he hoped to get rich once it was published.

It was not the first time Steyn had been in trouble with the law because of sexual offences.

It was revealed that during some of his attacks, which took place on Sundays, he was supposed to be performing community service.

He was found guilty on 33 of 37 charges ranging from murder, to culpable homicide, rape, sexual assault, kidnapping, and attempted kidnapping.