Lotter siblings beg for funds

2008-08-28 14:24

Pinetown - Two Durban siblings accused of murdering their parents made an impassioned plea on Thursday for donations to fund their defence.

Nicolette Lotter, 26, and her younger brother Hardus, 20, also thanked the public for their prayers and support "in this difficult time".

The two made the plea for donations and gave their thanks in a statement issued by their legal team, Grundlingh Attorneys, following a brief appearance at the Pinetown Regional Court on Thursday.

The siblings, along with Matthew Naidoo, are charged with the murder of Johannes and Magdalena Lotter.

The 53-year-old father was strangled while his wife was stabbed to death at their Westville home in July.

Funds to pay for experts

Grundlingh Attorneys said the donated funds would be used to make payments to experts hired to assist in the trial. The statement even provided bank details under Nicolette Lotter's name.

In court, the state and defence agreed to remand the case to September 30 when Naidoo would make an application for bail.

They also agreed that the three would be remanded to Westville Prison until their next appearance.

Magistrate Yogan Naidoo, however, suggested that instead of going to prison, Naidoo be sent to the Fort Napier institution for 30 days to be evaluated, as the prison did not have the facilities to cater for a psychologist's evaluation.

Naidoo's attorney Rajendra Nathalal declined, saying that the evaluation had nothing to do with his client's mental capacity at the time of the offence.

Up until now, the three had been detained at two police stations.

The court was packed with members of the Naidoo family, relatives and friends of the Lotter family, as well as media.

- SAPA