Two of three men accused of locking a Pretoria pensioner in a wardrobe and setting her home on fire after killing her husband claim that the pensioner had seen them before pointing them out in an identity parade.
The allegation was made after the widow, Johanna van den Berg, 61, immediately recognised her alleged attackers as they entered the parade room.
Mphanyaka Given Kanyane, 23, Mbubuzi Sbusiso Hlengethwa, 26, and Wonder Mbongiseni Makwakwa, 18, are on trial in the Pretoria High Court for the murder of Piet van den Berg, 64, robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, arson, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. They have pleaded not guilty.
They were arrested for a robbery at the Van den Berg's home in Cullinan, near Pretoria, in 2009.
Kanyane said that, after his arrest, he asked for his lawyer but he was told "it was not important".
Van den Berg said she had not seen any of the witnesses before the identity parade.
The state dismissed the claims, saying the accused was lying.
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