Emotional letters and reports heard in Hitzeroth murder proceedings

The long-running murder case relating to the death of Gert Hitzeroth returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Friday, June 5, where the court heard pre-sentencing evidence before sentencing proceedings could continue.

Shaun Beaton has been convicted in connection with Hitzeroth’s death on May 19, 2018. The State alleges that Beaton struck Hitzeroth with an aluminium baseball bat during a confrontation at his home and was involved in the victim’s subsequent drowning in a swimming pool.

Proceedings began with the defence expressing frustration over delays after the matter did not start as scheduled because the State prosecutor was attending to other court matters.

The defence noted that Beaton has been in custody since February and said both the accused and the Hitzeroth family were seeking finality.

“We want finality, as does the family of the deceased,” the defence told the court. The court indicated that it would try to prioritise the matter.

Family describes lasting impact

The State called probation officer and social worker, Thato Pholoto, from the Department of Social Development, to present a Victim Impact Report compiled on behalf of the deceased’s family.

Pholoto said she consulted several family members, including Hitzeroth’s son Wayne, daughter Chantelle, brother Mike, an uncle and the victim’s partner.

According to the report, Wayne shared a close and positive relationship with his father, who remained supportive throughout his life and marriage. Family members described Hitzeroth as calm, caring and non-violent.

The report detailed the emotional, psychological and financial impact of his death on the family. Wayne reported experiencing shock, sadness and anger following the incident. Family members said they continue to struggle with the loss, while Hitzeroth’s grandchild frequently asks about the grandfather, highlighting the void left behind.

The report found that the family continues to experience prolonged grief and psychological distress. It also noted financial pressures, including funeral-related expenses and the costs of attending court proceedings over several years.

“The sudden removal of a key family figure has resulted in a disruption. There is a void in leadership,” Pholoto read from the report.

“The family hopes that the sentence reflects the seriousness of the matter and that the sentence prompts accountability.”

A letter written by Hitzeroth’s daughter, Chantelle, was also read into the record. In it, she described her father as the person who held the family together and said his violent death left a wound that would never fully heal.

“Nothing the court does can bring my father back, but I hope that the sentencing will reflect that my father’s life had value,” she wrote. The defence asked questions about the report but did not cross-examine the witness.

Defence highlights Beaton’s circumstances

The defence then called private social worker Johanna Wolmarans, who compiled a report on Beaton’s personal circumstances.

Her report outlined Beaton’s family background, health concerns and role within his household before his incarceration.

Wolmarans told the court that Beaton and his life partner, Bianca Jackson, have been together for about 32 years and have two children.

According to the report, Beaton was the primary caregiver for the children because his work allowed him to operate from home.

He was responsible for preparing them for school and transporting them safely each day. The report also detailed Beaton’s medical condition, including previous treatment for skin cancer, ongoing skin-related health issues, weight loss, stress and sleep deprivation.

Wolmarans said he has not been able to attend follow-up medical appointments while in custody.

She further described conditions at the correctional facility, stating that Beaton is being held in an overcrowded awaiting-trial section and shares a large cell with other inmates.

Wolmarans also told the court that mediation had previously taken place between Beaton and Wayne Hitzeroth after an altercation at court. During that process, Beaton apologised and asked for forgiveness.
According to her testimony, Beaton expressed remorse and sympathy for the family’s loss. “He feels for them losing a father, grandfather and husband,” Wolmarans said.

The court heard that Beaton had also written a letter to the family expressing his condolences.

Matter postponed

The hearing was adjourned after the time ran out. The case is expected to resume on June 12, when further pre-sentencing reports and evidence will be presented before sentencing proceedings continue.

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