Lotz suspect 'a gentle giant'

2005-06-15 21:58

Jackie Pienaar

Stellenbosch - The young man who is linked to the murder of University of Stellenbosch student Inge Lotz is the son of a respected Eastern Cape family and widely known as a mild-mannered and peace-loving Christian.

Fred van der Vyver, 22, attached several testimonials about his character to the sworn statement he handed in at Stellenbosch magistrate's court on Wednesday.

The Rev W F A Lötter of the NGK in Queenstown said he saw Van der Vyver grow up and he came to know him as a mild-mannered and exemplary boy.

"He has displayed an even disposition and maintained sound relationships with his seniors and his peers."

"When I think of Frederik today, I see a refined, down-to-earth, experienced young man who is part of the very top of the cream of our country's youth. There are very few people of his calibre."

'Joint love of God'

Lötter said he got to know Van der Vyver as a stable person with an even personality who, in Biblical terms, diligently followed the way of love.

"It falls completely outside my frame of reference to ever associate him with any dishonesty, let alone a brutal, violent crime."

Ben Schoeman stated that his relationship with Van der Vyver developed in January 2000 from "our joint love of God and our involvement with His People Christian Church".

He described Van der Vyver as a "gentle giant".

"He is gentle with all people and peace loving. At a moral level, I came to know him well and there, too, he was above any suspicion, even with regard to the use of liquor and interaction with females.

"Fred is above suspicion of any form of violence and no threat to his fellow man."

- Die Burger