Emotional testimony in the Durban High Court last week detailed the lasting impact of renowned horticulturists Rodney and Rachel Saunders’ murders on family, friends and colleagues.

The court heard further evidence in aggravation and mitigation of sentence.

Former Umdloti residents Bibi Fatima Patel (35) and Sayefudeen Aslam Del Vecchio (46), and Malawian national Ahmad Jackson Mussa (44), were convicted on June9 of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, theft and two counts of murder.

The case stems from the kidnapping, torture and murder of the British-South African botanists in the Ngoye Forest near Mtunzini in February 2018. Their bodies were dumped in the Tugela River, and R734 000 was siphoned from their bank accounts.

ISIS flags and literature were found at the trio’s homestead after their arrest, although terrorism charges were later withdrawn.

Defence advocate Shaheen Seedat called Patel’s sister, Khatirja Mohammed, who described Patel as compassionate, kind and an animal lover who had volunteered for Gift of the Givers.

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However, Senior State Advocate Mahen Naidu argued that her evidence carried limited weight because she had left the family home when Patel was 13.

During her testimony, Patel and Del Vecchio, again dressed in camouflage outfits, repeatedly smiled, nodded and made eye contact with Mohammed.

No witnesses were called for Del Vecchio or Mussa.

A legacy that outlived them
In aggravation of sentence, close family friend and long-time employee Ondine Schrick said the Saunders had become her adoptive parents, while her children regarded them as adoptive grandparents.

“My daughter’s love of music came from them. Rachel bought her every instrument she owns,” Schrick said, her voice quivering.

Having taken over the couple’s seed-exporting business, Schrick said she now had nobody to turn to for advice.

She said the couple were close to completing The Saunders’ Field Guide to Gladioli of South Africa when they were murdered. Published in 2021 in their memory, the book was dedicated, in keeping with their wishes, to the tortoises they rescued along the way.

Schrick described the ‘huge hole’ their deaths left in the international botanical community and said charities, including the NSRI, the Guide Dog Foundation and Rally to Read, had also lost generous supporters.

She added that the murders had changed the way she worked in the field.

“I look over my shoulder and only camp in official campsites.”

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Testifying remotely from the UK on behalf of relatives in five countries, Mark Perry said the couple brought warmth and laughter wherever they went and, during their extensive international lecture tours, always made time for family.

He described the immense shock and enduring anguish caused by their murders, adding that he wanted to ensure the couple were not overlooked and that his family’s perspective was heard.

Sentencing is expected to conclude today (July 2).