Pre-sentencing arguments start in 'Modimolle Monster' case

Pre-sentencing arguments in the case of the so-called ‘Modimolle Monster’ Johan Kotze started in the High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday morning.

Judge Bert Bam found Kotze and one of his co-accused, Andries Sithole, guilty on Monday of killing his ex-wife Ina Bonnette's son Conrad Bonnette, 19.

The other two co-accused were acquitted on the murder charge.

However, Kotze, Sithole, Pieta Mohlake, and Sello Mphaka were all convicted of kidnapping and of four charges relating to the rape of Bonnette.

"It is obvious that all four are guilty of it," said Bam.

In addition, Kotze and his co-accused were also found guilty of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Ina Bonnette was attacked and tortured in Kotze's Modimolle home on January 3, 2012. Her son was shot and killed in the house on the same day.

Arguing in mitigation of sentence on Tuesday, Kotze's lawyer Piet Greyling pointed to his narcissistic personality disorder, depression, and obsessive behaviour.

"Some of his problems literally come from his childhood," he told the court

Greyling said a clinical psychiatrist's report which found that Kotze suffered from these problems should be taken into consideration.

"[The narcissism] influenced his relationship with Mrs Bonnette, also his behaviour towards Mrs Bonnette," he submitted.

Greyling said Kotze had been obsessed with Bonnette, and had been crushed when she rejected him, especially because of his narcissism.

"In other words, he took it much worse."

Greyling said Kotze had seen this as the end of his life.

"I don't think there is any doubt that accused one was a manic depressive."

He said Kotze had mentioned a suicide attempt in a diary he kept in the days before his arrest.

Greyling said there were also signs of remorse in the diary.

"The remorse speaks very clear from the diary he kept."

Bam asked if Kotze had shown remorse in court.

Greyling said Kotze had been emotional during his testimony. "It was truly an emotional testimony."

He asked the court to take into account that his client had lost everything, and asked for a 15 year sentence.