#KrugersdorpMurders – Judge wraps sentencing saying the group should have been named Chosen by Lucifer

The mood in the courtroom in the South Gauteng High Court was one of relief, but tensions were still high as the trial of the century finally came to an end.

Judge Ellem Jacob Francis started by summarising the case, saying his decisions could not be swayed by personal views or public and media opinion.

Watch the sentencing here:

https://krugersdorpnews.co.za/387827/krugersdorpmurders-watch-remaining-three-hear-fate/

He said that everyone was entitled to a fair trial, regardless of who they are.

He explained how heinous the crimes were, and that Cecilia was at the centre of all it. He said the 11 victims were all innocent and murdered in a brutal manner.

“They did not deserve to die like that,” Francis said.

The judge told how Peter Meyer recited Psalm 23 while his dead wife lay next to him.

While Judge Francis read out the list of crimes, family members could be seen crying and supporting each other.

He then read out the events that led Zak Valentine, Cecilia Steyn and Marcel Steyn to this moment.

Read Zak’s sentencing here:

https://krugersdorpnews.co.za/387534/krugersdorpmurders-zak-valentine/

He explained their lives growing up, how the group met, how the crimes came to be and each person’s version of the events.

He said that hearing the family members’ testimonies during the trial showed that the case had opened a great many wounds.

He talked about Glen McGregor’ s sister, how Candice Ellison had been pregnant when Jarrod Jackson was murdered, and how she now has to explain to their daughter that her daddy is ‘sleeping’.

The Meyer couple’s eldest daughter testified that her father had had a dream of retiring and opening a water park in KwaZulu-Natal. She said her two children will never know their grandparents.

Anthony Schofield’s wife testified that her life has not been the same since his death – she is lonely and their family will never get over his death.

Kevin McAlpine’s wife said that after she was informed of his death she had to be hospitalised. He had told her that same day that he was planning to get a new job. He was her best friend and they did everything together.

Reg Bendixen’s wife said he was loved by so many people. She lost her house after his death and had to give away her animals. She said she too is lonely.

Read Cecilia’s sentencing here:

https://krugersdorpnews.co.za/387532/krugersdorpmurders-mastermind-cecilia-to-spend-all-of-her-days-in-prison/

Hanle Lategan’s husband said he had been on anti-depressants for the past two years. His friend, his lover, his wife is gone.

Mikaela Valentine’s mother told how Mikaela told her she was leaving her studies to become a pastor because of things Cecilia had told her. She said there was a darkness around Mikaela. She remembers how Mikaela was scared because she wanted to leave the ministry.

Marinda Steyn was at Mikaela’s funeral, but her mother wanted to tell Marinda she was not welcome. She sent Zak a mail saying she had forgiven Mikaela’s murderers and he had replied that he wished there was more he could have done.

“It is like your heart gets pulled out with force,” Mikaela’s mother said.

“This is the worst case I’ve had to preside over in my 18 years as a judge – it was almost as if I was watching a horror story,” said Judge Francis.

He said that although the group said they did it all for God, there was nothing godly about what they did.

“They should have called themselves ‘Chosen by Lucifer’,” he explained.

Read Marcel’s sentencing here:

https://krugersdorpnews.co.za/387533/krugersdorpmurders-did-marcel-get-what-she-deserves/

“I do not understand how Zak and Marcel, who are highly intelligent, could believe this utter garbage,” he said.

He said he is extremely concerned about the people Cecilia will be mingling with while incarcerated. If she could manipulate the group, she can manipulate others. He said her character shows she should be removed from society permanently.

He said Marcel was portrayed as a little innocent girl who was led by the group to do these things. He said he finds this strange, taking into account all her involvement in the crimes.

“It is my finding that Marcel did not show genuine remorse. It was only a ploy to gain the sympathy of the court.”

He said that there is nothing worse in society than taking the life of another and the sentences should reflect this.

The judge then started with his proposed sentences. Then the big moment, the one that took years to reach, arrived.

The three were charged on 32 counts between them, including 11 murder charges, racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, illegal possession of firearm and others.

Zak was not charged for the murders that were committed while he was in hiding and pretending to be dead, so he received eight life sentences and 78 years in prison.

Watch the family’s reaction here:

https://krugersdorpnews.co.za/387825/krugersdorpmurders-watch-investigating-officer-applauded-job-well-done/

Cecilia Steyn, who was found to have been the mastermind behind the crimes, and had shown no remorse, was handed down 13 life sentences and 152 years in prison.

Last to be sentenced was Marcel Steyn. She had been said to be under the control of her mother and Cecilia, and questions arose because she was so young when the crime spree started. She was given seven life sentences and 144 years’ imprisonment. She was not given life sentences for the murders committed when she was a minor, but this added more years to her total sentence.

All the sentences are to run concurrently.