Devastating blow for Pitt Street murder accused
Clever questioning by senior state advocate proves crucial aspects of case.
One of the murder accused in the Pitt Street murder case, Thando Notshe (25), appeared in the High Court again on 19 June. He and his co-accused, Tshepo Ntsatsi (23), allegedly murdered the Gaunts during a robbery in April last year.
Once again, Ntsatsi made an about-turn – and testified against Notshe after all. Ntsatsi had made a plea bargain with the State in order to reduce his sentence, but later refused to testify against Notshe. Not wanting to lose the benefits of his plea bargain he took to the stand, but it was clear that he was trying to soften the blow by not being entirely truthful.
Also Read:Â Pitt Street Murders: Inside the mind of a killer
Ntsatsi attempted to imply that Notshe was not part of the murder regardless of Notshe having admitted to it in his initial statement, where he stated that their aim was robbery. But clever questioning by Senior State Advocate Deon van Wyk proved both “foreseeability” and “common purpose” beyond a shadow of a doubt. In layman’s terms this means that Notshe knew that the outcome could/ would be murder and that he shared this knowledge (foreseeability) with Ntsatsi.
A crucial moment came when Van Wyk asked Ntsatsi what he and Notshe discussed in the taxi after the incident. Although Ntsatsi had told the court earlier that Notshe did not know about the murders, he answered Van Wyk by saying that Notshe asked him, “Did you leave them alive?”
Initial Article:Â Elderly couple found murdered
Ntsatsi told the court that Notshe knew to ask this because of the blood on Ntsatsi’s shoes. But this proved that Notshe knew Ntsatsi had possibly murdered David and Vera Gaunt. If he had not known, he would more likely have asked Ntsatsi something along the lines of “Why is there blood on your shoes?” and not whether the victims had been left alive. This proves Notshe knew about the murders, and through common purpose, shares the guilt.
The case continues today (20 June). Van Wyk will call Notshe’s girlfriend to take the stand.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websitesÂ
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
