Fred sues State for R46m
2008-05-15 11:33
Johannesburg - Fred van der Vyver is suing the government for R46m after its failed bid to pin on him the murder of his girlfriend, Inge Lotz, The Times reported on Thursday.
Van der Vyver, a Cape Town actuary, was acquitted in November last year.
The judge dismissed the evidence against him as flimsy and criticised the police investigation as shoddy.
Lawyers for Van der Vyver on Wednesday filed papers with the Cape High Court, giving the minister of safety and security details of the claim.
The papers said Van der Vyver demanded a total of R46.1m to cover his legal fees, loss of earnings and other costs incurred in fighting the murder charge.
The parents of Lotz - who was stabbed and bludgeoned to death three years ago - are seeking R8m in damages from Van der Vyver.
They believe that, despite his acquittal, he was responsible for the death of their daughter.
- SAPA