Not in my nature to kill, says Henning killer

It was not in convicted murderer Willem Pieterse's nature to kill, the High Court in Pretoria heard on Thursday.

"I just could not shoot her. It is not in my nature to kill people," he said when asked about a failed attempt to murder Pretoria mother Channelle Henning.

"I was only the motorcycle driver. I am not the leader."

He was testifying in the trial of Ambrose Monye and Andre Gouws.

They are accused of killing Henning, conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to procure an illegal firearm and ammunition, and possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.

They have pleaded not guilty.

Two men on a motorbike shot and killed Henning, 26, while she was driving her car in Faerie Glen, Pretoria East, on November 8, 2011, shortly after dropping off her child at a creche.

Pieterse and fellow former police officer Gerhardus du Plessis have claimed that Monye hired them to carry out the shooting and that he promised them R10 000 each.

Both accepted a plea bargain and were convicted in December last year of murder, conspiracy to murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of unlicensed ammunition. Each was sentenced to 18 years behind bars.

Daan Mostert, for Gouws, questioned Pieterse on his decision to take part in the murder.

"I did not think at all. I just did," he said.