For the first time, Johan Louwrens apologised directly to the family of Letisia Niemann, the woman who died after he struck her with a bakkie in 2019.

ALSO READ: Johan Louwrens’s trial set to continue

Louwrens appeared before Magistrate Patrick Morris in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today, October 24.

His legal representative called him to the witness stand to address the court ahead of his upcoming sentencing for a culpable homicide conviction.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Johan Louwrens’ sentencing postponed

Louwrens spoke about some of the challenges he faced after his arrest, including losing his job, relationship and family support. He also told the court how he lost both his parents at a young age.

He apologised to Niemann’s family and friends, saying he was fully aware that the death of a loved one is a great loss.

“All I am asking for is mercy, because even if I am sent to prison, I will eventually return to the streets – I have nowhere else to go. I am just a hustler, because even the company I started in 2021 is not doing well,” said Louwrens.

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The prosecution read statements from Niemann’s husband, sister and father, all of which described the deep sense of loss following her death.

ALSO READ: Johan Louwrens’s trial set to continue

Morris postponed the matter to Tuesday, October 28, for sentencing and told Louwrens that he remains on warning until then.