Kotzé's ex-wife never wanted to reconcile
2012-11-21 16:27
Pretoria - So-called "Modimolle Monster" Johan Kotzé's ex-wife on Wednesday denied creating the impression that she wanted to reconcile shortly before the attack which left her son dead and her scarred for life.
Kotzé's advocate Bernard Bantjes put it to Ina Bonette in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria that she had led Kotzé to believe that a reconciliation was on the cards days before the 3 January attack.
Bonette denied this and said she had only gone to his house to fetch some of her belongings.
She denied "hinting" that she wanted a Christmas present from Kotzé.
Kotzé, Andries Sithole, Pieta Mohlane and Frans Mphaka are on trial for the murder of Bonette's son Conrad and for allegedly kidnapping, repeatedly raping, assaulting and attempting to murder Bonette.
Bonette testified that she had first left Kotzé in March last year, but returned after deciding to give their marriage another chance.
She denied begging Kotzé to take her back, or that they had met in secret before she went back, because her parents did not approve of their relationship.
Bonette admitted punching Kotzé in the jaw the day before she finally left him in July last year.
She had arrived home to find that Kotzé had removed all the furniture and appliances he had bought for her as wedding presents.
She was "livid" with Kotzé because he swore at her daughter and insulted her and her parents.
"I lost it totally that day... My hand hurt a lot and I later had to undergo an operation."
She said he obtained a protection order against her the next day.
Asked if their on-off relationship had caused emotional instability in Kotzé, Bonette said it had affected both of them emotionally.
She felt she was standing in the middle because Kotzé caused conflict with her parents and son.
The trial continues.
- SAPA
