Verdict delivered in Van Rooyen murder trial
The six accused in the double murder of Billy van Rooyen and Ronnie Lombard in the April 2016 farm attack that shook an entire community to its core have been convicted...
It has been roughly three years in the making, but justice has finally been served in the van Rooyen murder case.
The perpetrators of the farm attack, which took place in April 2016, waited until 4pm today to hear the verdict from Judge Barnard, in the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court.
After thorough deliberation of the case, he stated the evidence against the accused was overwhelming.
He added they had shared a common purpose, having heavily arming themselves and preparing to use force, when they carried out their attack at the Swart Mfolozi home of Billy van Rooyen and his family.
“All of the accused foresaw that people could die,” Judge Barnard stated.
As the atmosphere in the packed courtroom intensified, the 6 accused rose from their seats as the verdict was delivered.
They were all found guilty on the counts of murdering William James van Rooyen and Ronnie Lombard, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm on Lodewyk van Rooyen, the attempted murder of Karlien van Rooyen, and the kidnapping of Khulekani Zondo and Mtutuku Mtshali.
In addition, accused number one was also found guilty on count 14, the possession of an AK-47.
Accused number 4 was found guilty on counts 8 and 11, for the unlawful possession of an assault rifle and a semi automatic weapon.
Sentencing begins tomorrow.
Read the full story in next week’s edition of the Vryheid Herald.
Also read: Judgement begins for Van Rooyen murder accused
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