De Jager: I feel like a dog
2003-11-24 18:29
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Johannesburg - "I wish I knew what went wrong," a sobbing Louise de Jager, the mother of convicted serial sex offender Stanley de Jager told the Johannesburg High Court on Monday.
She read a letter written by De Jager on November 4, the day he changed his plea to guilty on 15 of the 21 charges including rape and kidnapping.
"Details of my case are on the radio and in the press, I feel like a dog," the letter said.
De Jager was last week convicted on 18 of the 21 counts.
He told the court that it was an outlet for feelings of rage, frustration and that the sexual attacks gave him "a feeling of power".
Dark side
Testifying on November 6, De Jager said "the dark side took over and I gave in".
He cruised the streets in his silver car and then asked for directions.
Some jumped into his car willingly while others got in out of fear after he showed them his gun that he kept under a seat.
He then drove off and later, in the car, forced them into sexual activities. Three were raped and he did not use a condom.
Listing a few incidents which might have contributed to his behaviour, De Jager claimed that he was molested at the age of six by a friend of his brother and again at school by a teacher.
De Jager said he had no idea why he decided to have unprotected sex and admitted that he took no notice of one victim's fears that she might fall pregnant.
'Wasted years'
He said the year 2000 was not a good year for him. He had a girlfriend and an argument with her left him frustrated.
He had been besotted with her, adding that he now felt he had wasted two years of his life.
The 24-year-old said his former girlfriend had greatly influenced his actions.
The court also heard that De Jager's mother was not keen on the girlfriend and did not want her name mentioned in the house.
He said his family was conservative, especially regarding sex.
De Jager said he was afraid of his father and would not go against his wishes and his mother accepted his father's decisions for the sake of peace.
- SAPA