Pretoria man denies killing pregnant partner
2011-11-09 21:55
Pretoria - A local businessman and four people who allegedly helped him murder his pregnant partner, pleaded not guilty in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday.
Brooklyn Pieter Moon, 37, a businessman of Waverley, Pretoria, Thapelo Tumelo Kekana, 21, Tshepiso Maluleke, 27, (both of Soshanguve), and Florence Walusimbi, 39, and her Ugandan husband Umala Mike Walusimbi, 41, (both of Eersterust) denied conspiring to murder Moon's partner Antoinette Botha.
They also denied breaking into Botha's house in Waverley on June 26 2008, murdering her and stealing her Mercedes Benz.
Botha, 45, who worked as a matron at the Moot Hospital in Pretoria, was eight months pregnant with her and Moon's second son. She was found bludgeoned to death in the main bedroom of the house she shared with Moon.
None of the accused gave any plea explanation, choosing to use their right to silence. The State alleges Moon had a love affair with another woman, who used to visit his house while his wife was at work.
He allegedly enlisted the services of Florence Walusimbi to kill Botha, who in turn informed her husband of Moon's intentions.
Walusimbi allegedly enlisted the services of Kekana and Maluleke. The three of them allegedly broke into Botha's home and beat her to death with a brick. Botha died on the scene of a severe head injury.
A former investigating officer in the case, Constable Martin Phalatse, testified that a brick was found on the floor next to the bed where Botha's body was discovered.
Moon reported that his partner's car, cellphone as well as jewellery and documents from a safe were missing.
The Mercedes Benz was found in Soshanguve on the day of the murder. Fingerprints lifted from the car led police to Kekana. With his help, police caught Maluleke and Florence Walusimbi.
Moon was arrested at the Villieria police station when he went to fetch a document that would have authorised him to get the Mercedes back from the police pound.
The trial continues before Judge Winston Msimeki.
- SAPA
