Magistrate Pieter Nel told Walter Stander (24) on Wednesday that, considering the extent of the injuries and where they were directed, "the only possible conclusion is that you had the intent to kill your wife".
"The assault was directed at her head and chest, and the injuries indicate serious violence."
Stander, who went rigid when the verdict was announced, arrived at court in his pyjamas on Wednesday morning. He is in Weskoppies Hospital for observation on a rape charge. He changed into a jacket and a pair of trousers before his court appearance in the Pretoria North regional court.
Nel found Stander was able to distinguish between right and wrong when he battered his wife, Maria Ernestina (29), to death on February 11, 1999, in a mad rage and assaulted her mother, Aletta Henning, when she tried to help her daughter.
Family sat behind him in court
Nel argued that the State had proved Stander to be accountable. He was found guilty of murder and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.
Henning burst into tears after the verdict was announced. During proceedings Stander often turned around to look at his family, sitting behind him.
He earlier denied guilt, pleading temporary insanity after having taken several tablets.
The court heard there was no trace in Stander's blood of the substance he allegedly took.
Nel said Stander's marriage had been tense, however, no emotionally charged incident had occurred which could serve as "trigger mechanism" for the events.
Stander claimed he was unable to remember the attack on his wife, but that he later ran five street blocks with his dogs to fetch a clergyman.
Prosecutor Cornelia Harmzen said Stander had no previous convictions. The case was remanded pending sentencing.
Stander had been out on bail when apprehended on a farm outside Marble Hall last month on charges of indecent assault, rape and attempted rape and heroin possession.
