Leigh's family show sympathy
2005-07-27 22:25
Johannesburg - Sharon Matthews bent forward and looked at the floor in court on Wednesday as a witness demonstrated how her daughter, Leigh, probably had been shot.
"Nothing can horrify me any more," she said shortly before the murder weapon was handed in as evidence.
After court adjourned, she smiled bravely. "The worst is probably over. What can happen that could be worse?
"We are still feeling strong. On Monday evening, some of our friends came over for drinks. Yesterday evening (Tuesday), we had a quiet evening at home and watched The Amazing Race,
something I'm mad about."
On Wednesday, Karen Matthews, 22, once again sat between her parents in court. She swallowed her tears every now and then and stared ahead, frowning.
Shortly before the first witness took the stand, she laid her head briefly on her father's shoulder.
Rob Matthews turned his head to the side and pressed it against hers while smiling at her encouragingly.
Time and again, the Matthews family dropped their heads and stared ahead when they heard how a spider had spun a web between Leigh's thighs.
Mrs Matthews smiled slightly and nodded her head in confirmation when it was said her daughter's body had, in fact, been moved.
When the court heard Moodley had been barely 30cm from Leigh when he shot her in the neck, Matthews pressed his hands to his mouth.
He believes Moodley will get the sentence he deserves.
"I am sure the court will make the correct ruling. As I've said before, the evidence will speak for itself."
Moodley's dad to take stand
Matthews family supporters stood around in a group after the court had adjourned, chatting and exchanging the occasional hug.
They are looking forward to listening to Stephen Moodley - Donovan's father - who was expected to take to the stand later on Wednesday.
"It will be interesting to hear what he has to say," said Leigh's mother, Sharon.
She feels sorry for Donovan's parents.
"For his mother and his father. They, too, have lost a child. Just like us."