Griekwastad case: No fingerprint match
2013-03-14 19:18
Kimberley - No match could be found on the police's database for a fingerprint that was lifted from a drinking glass at the scene of a triple murder at a farm in Griekwastad, the Northern Cape High Court heard on Thursday.
Constable Motlalekgomo Mohitlhi was testifying in the trial of a 16-year-old youth accused of killing farmer Deon Steenkamp, 44, his wife Christelle, 43, and daughter Marthella, 14, on the farm Naauwhoek, on April 6 last year.
Mohitlhi said he also tested for fingerprints on a handgun holster in the main bedroom and the firearm safe, the fridge, the counter and phone in the kitchen area, and the dining room table.
Cross-examination of Mohithli was expected to start after the lunch break.
Mohitlhi testified that he did primary residue tests on the youth at the police station.
He did a red colour test on his right hand and a blue colour test on his left hand. "I sealed the test in front of him," he told the court.
Mohitlhi was also the policeman tasked with doing the first recording of the murder scene at the farm with a video camera.
The video was shown in court in two clips, the first of which was a short recording of the back door of the farmhouse.
Mohitlhi testified that the farm dogs ran to him at that point and he feared they would bite him. He continued after he was sure that the dogs would not attack.
The trial continues.
- SAPA
