'Diabolical' to hear Moodley's apology
2005-07-28 17:38
Johannesburg - Donovan Moodley remained impassive when Rob Matthews called him a heartless and manipulative coward who did not deserve to live.
But his eyes filled with tears when his pastor father Stephen recalled the pride he felt when his son was promoted at work, and the devastating shame he now experienced.
Earlier in the week Moodley confessed to kidnapping and murdering Sandton student Leigh Matthews and extorting R50 000 from her family.
The State has been calling witnesses to prove that Moodley had not confessed to everything, and had frozen Leigh's body for 12 days before staging the crime scene at Walkerville.
Rob, who maintained composed while in the witness box, said it was "diabolical" to hear Moodley apologise.
No 'right to life'
"How much more does one need to see that Moodley is not capable of remorse or guilt?" he testified.
"Moodley has conducted himself in a way that no longer gives him a right to life.
"I don't know if anything in the world can prepare a family for what we have gone through.
"It is difficult to believe that anyone can be so cruel, calculating, heartless and devoid of a conscience."
Rob said Moodley should never be allowed to deceive people again, or walk as a free man. Cries of "Yes!" were heard from the public gallery.
'Perfect son'
Moodley's father conceded that his son had committed an atrocious deed and did not deserve forgiveness, but painted a picture of a perfect son who excelled at school and business.
In his testimony, Stephen said Donovan was involved in sports and the church, and never showed any violent or aggressive behaviour.
What upset him, however, was when his son bought and licensed a firearm and when he got a tattoo on his upper arm.
"We as parents experienced no problems with him during his years at school.
"He always appeared to be happy at school and at home and showed no anti-social behaviour. My wife and I did everything we could to give Donovan and his sister the best in life."
"We were utterly shocked (after finding out about the murder).
"We... had the highest hopes that our son would follow in my footsteps."
Stephen described how Donovan had become a financial director at the age of 21 and enrolled at Bond SA university to further his career.
While the kidnapping and murder were taking place, the Moodley family thought their son was on a biking trip.
"Donovan never gave any indication that he needed money."
Stephen submitted a report card, filled with A's and B's, from Donovan's matric year at Lenasia South Secondary School, and testimonials his employees had drafted to help him get university entrance.
'We can never ease the pain'
But Stephen could not fight back the tears when he addressed the Matthews family, deviating from his prepared speech.
"We wish to express our sympathy. I feel ashamed that we as a family must be associated with a crime such as this.
"We assume responsibility as well because he is our son and will always remain our son.
"We can never ease the pain. I pray that they (the Matthews family) will forgive my son.
"They are the only ones who can.
"Our pain is nowhere near their pain.
"I wish to God there was something we could do to take away that pain."
Earlier the first witness of the day, Sietze Alberts, testified that he found no bullets in the ground at the spot where Matthews' body was found.
No were there bullets within a metre of her surroundings, said the policeman, who has 16 years as a crime scene expert.
The metal detector used could pick up any type of metal as deep as 40m in the ground.
100-page statement
Investigating officer superintendent Piet Byleveldt was also scheduled to testify on Thursday and had prepared a statement over 100 pages long.
However, after the defence agreed to make a third set of confessions, he did not testify.
"It's a pity I couldn't testify. It's a challenge and I love it," he said outside the court.
Final arguments in the trial will be heard on Friday and sentencing is expected next week.
- SAPA