Infidelity motive for murder?

2003-06-12 19:51

Johannesburg - Murder accused Colin Bouwer suspected his wife Ria, 23, of having a relationship with someone else and said she claimed he might not be the father of her child.

On the day she died - May 7, 1999 - he alleged he had seen a car near their Kempton Park home and suspected it belonged to his rival.

This was the evidence of state witness Anthony Parker who was appearing in the Johannesburg High Court before Judge D Marais on Thursday. Parker had known Bouwer since their school days.

Other evidence before the court was that the couple had married shortly after the birth of their child and had been married only six months when the murder took place. Ria Bouwer's body was found in the guest bathroom of the couple's house.

Former domestic worker Rose Mogothlane's evidence suggested she was probably the last person, besides the murderer, to see Mrs Bouwer alive. When Mogothlane had completed her duties and was leaving to go home, she said she saw her employer sitting on the bed writing a letter.

But according to former police officer, Sergeant Gert du Plessis, no letter or list was found. There were suspicions it had been destroyed by the murderer.

Parker's evidence was that he thought it strange that Bouwer's alibi was that he was out with the child at the time since it seemed he was easily irritated by children. Parker said he knew of no other instance of Bouwer driving around with the child.

"He would always ask if we thought he was guilty," said Parker. On another occasion Parker said when he and his wife were having a disagreement, Bouwer allegedly said, "I know just what one is capable of in these circumstance." That was some time after the murder.

During cross-examination of Parker, Jan Moller defending, submitted that Ria Bouwer was uncertain if she should marry the accused because she was not sure he was the father of the child.

The couple had arranged to visit Bouwer's sister in Pretoria on the day of the murder. According to evidence, because she was not ready, he left with the child.

Parker's further evidence was that Bouwer admitted the couple had argued on the day she was murdered.

The trial continues on Friday.

- SAPA