Killed with cottonwool, hairdye

2003-08-22 15:18

Johannesburg - Self-confessed multiple rapist Jonathan Plaatjies, in the Johannesburg High Court on Friday, denied murdering one of his victims to prevent her from identifying him.

Plaatjies, 26, of Eden Park was alleged to have gained entry to houses by asking to use the toilet. He then attacked and raped his victims before locking them in cupboards and ransacking their houses.

In his testimony, Plaatjies said Jocelyn Damons was the only one of his eight rape victims he had known. He had been introduced to her while assisting with a modelling show.

He admitted that he had gagged Damons with cellotape and taped her wrists and legs together, but he claimed she was alive when he left her on March 4, 2002.

Plaatjies said he did not put Jocelyn in a cupboard, as he did with his other victims, "because she was too heavy".

When a friend told him Damons had died, Plaatjies told the court he thought she might have committed suicide because of the rape.

Tyrone Damons, the brother of Jocelyn, said he had tried to revive his sister after finding her trussed up on the bed in his mother's bedroom.

Cottonwool up her nose

He claimed her face smelt strongly of peroxide and she had cottonwool in her nasal cavities. A hairdye kit was found nearby.

The prosecution submitted that Damons was strong and had struggled violently, breaking three nails and sustaining numerous bruises. Plaatjies had shoved peroxide-soaked cottonwool in her nostrils to sedate her and "overcome her resistance". Plaatjies strongly denied this.

The cause of death was established as suffocation.

On Thursday, Plaatjies entered an amended plea, admitting guilt on 18 charges after initially pleading innocent. The charges included the rape of eight women, indecently assaulting some of them and also robbing them.

The rapes were committed between January and April 2002, mainly in the Rabie Ridge area near Kempton Park.

The items he robbed from his victims were kept as souvenirs, but he also gave a few to his girlfriend and her children as gifts.

The trial continues on Monday.

- SAPA