BENONI – Sentencing proceedings in the Ben Lotz murder case of 2021 can now hopefully continue after the four family members who were found guilty of Lotz’s murder finally have new legal representatives.

The brothers Raymond Metz, Shane Metz, Simon Anton ‘Babatjie’ Metz, and their mother, Lindi Falch, briefly appeared in the High Court in Benoni on February 4.

The four were already found guilty in April 2024 of the murder of Benjamin Lotz, whom they confronted at his home on the evening of November 22, 2021. They have since been awaiting sentence, while their bail has been extended.

It came to light during a court appearance in July last year that the brothers and their mother’s funds had run out, and that they could no longer pay for the services of advocate Charles de Beer, their previous legal representative.

Now legal representatives from the Legal Aid Council have been appointed to assist the family members with the last part of the court case and hopefully, the wheels of justice can start turning again.

Judge Carla van Veenendal indicated that the trial would proceed from June 30 to July 4.

This should allow sufficient time for the accused to undergo evaluations by social workers.

These evaluations will be used to compile pre-sentence reports, which will play a decisive role in determining their final sentences.

Meanwhile, all four accused are on bail until their next court appearance.

The trial has experienced several delays over the past three years, much to the frustration of the victim’s family.

With sentencing now scheduled for the middle of the year, all eyes will be on the court to deliver its final verdict.