Jordaan 'too gentle to kill'

2008-06-05 21:32

Pretoria - Andrew Jordaan, the convicted killer of seven-year-old Sheldean Human, was described on Thursday both as a paedophile and someone too gentle to be a murderer.

Testifying in mitigation of Jordaan's sentencing in Pretoria High Court, clinical psychologist Wikus Coetzee told how several tests conducted on the 26-year-old portrayed a man who had sexual interest in young girls and was emotionally immature.

"He could be classified as a paedophile," Coetzee told the court.

Elaborating on his findings, Coetzee told the court that Jordaan, who sat quietly in the dock, showed withdrawal symptoms, depression and a low intellectual ability.

Jordaan's IQ of 76 was found to be lower than a normal person, which was on average between 90 and 110.

"He showed signs of low intellectual ability. For example, he could not remember where he was born. In general, he was very child like... he laughed like a child," continued Coetzee.

Jordaan had no adult friends and got on well with children. He had a "strong underlying aggressive personality", said Coetzee.

Jordaan was found guilty on Tuesday of the murder, attempted rape and kidnapping of Sheldean last year.

'Danger to society'

He was also found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting her eight-year-old friend.

State prosecutor André Fourie said Jordaan needed lifelong imprisonment following his actions and Coetzee said Jordaan was a danger to society.

However, Jordaan's father, Nici, who took the stand in the afternoon, told the court his son was innocent.

"He is not guilty. He is a soft person who loves children," he said.

He told the court that two of his children - Andrew and his sister - were taken into foster care in the 1980s. He said his son's biological mother had a drinking problem.

His son had problems with his teachers at a special school before dropping out in Std 7. He tried to establish what was the root of his son's problems, but was not been given any reasons.

Acting Judge Chris Eksteen postponed the matter to Friday to allow both the State and the defence time to wrap up their arguments.

Eksteen said the court would then also give an indication as to when Jordaan would be sentenced.

Jordaan - who remained in custody - was embraced by family members shortly before being led away.

- SAPA