Family vows to appeal killer cousins’ sentence
“People just don’t understand that these boys weren’t in control that night and it wasn’t premeditated," cried a mother of one of the accused who blames the devil for her child's actions.
PALM RIDGE – The sentence of 18 and 20 years imprisonment for two cousins involved in the satanic killing of a teenager and attempted murder of her friend was described as “unfair” by the families of the accused.
On February 12 a sentence of life imprisonment was handed down to murder accused Lindon Wagner and an 18-year sentence for attempted murder accused, Robin Harwood, by The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg which convened at the Palm Ridge Court.
Lindon Wagner’s mother, Vanessa Arendse, and Robin Harwood’s mother, Dierdre Moses, sobbed profusely after the sentencing as their family members surrounded them, also crying in disappointment.
Harwood’s mother, Dierdre Moses, said that she believed that the sentence was harsh and that presiding Judge Geraldine Borchers did not understand the merits of the case.
“People just don’t understand that these boys weren’t in control that night and it wasn’t premeditated. The judgment was unfair and we are going to apply for leave to appeal.”
She said they believe that the accused men “were not in control of their actions”, sighting that the devil is real. “If you open the door he will come in,” she said.
She added that Lindon Wagner and her son Robin Harwood were victims of the devil and it was unfair that they had to suffer.
The family of Kirsty Theologo welcomed the sentences, saying that their family was happy the accused would pay for what they did to the teenager and that the family could now focus on healing.
Stone cold expressions covered the faces of the two accused satanic killer cousins as they were sentenced for their offenses. Their lawyers confirmed that they would be appealing the sentences.
