Pair deny killing author in robbery

NIGEL Plaatjies and his uncle, Johannes Plaatjies, have denied any involvement in the murder of Afrikaans author Winnie Rust, but the 20-year-old admits to having robbed the deceased of her valuables.

Yesterday, Nigel and his uncle submitted their plea explanations to the Western Cape High Court.

The two are facing charges including murder, attempted murder, attempted arson, robbery with aggravating circumstances, corruption and fraud.

Nigel pleaded guilty to all charges except murder, attempted murder and attempted arson.

Johannes, maintained his innocence. He told the court he only tried to sell Rust’s rings at Cash for Gold. Johannes said he was nowhere near Rust’s home the day of the murder, and all the items he got were bought by Nigel.

Rust, 77, was found on the kitchen floor by her husband Manie Rust , 87, in their home in Third Avenue, Uitsig, last year in May.

In his plea explanation Nigel alleged that he, together with Johannes, robbed Rust at gunpoint. He said they stole two laptops, a cellphone, rings, her bank cards and an undisclosed amount of money.

He said R5 000 was withdrawn from a Capitec Bank account and they used over R17 000 purchasing goods at Game, Tiffany’s Sportscene and Studio 8, in Paarl.

Nigel said his mother worked for Rust and the deceased always took an interest in him and his sister.

“She was like a mentor to me – my other mother and also my sponsor. She was my biggest fan and her only interest in me was that I come out on top and make something of my life,” he said.

Nigel said leading up to the incident Johannes showed interest in him and because he grew up without a father, he relished the attention.

“Johannes came from Montagu and told me he was in trouble. He owed money to drug lords who had threatened his life…

“He wanted me to participate in a robbery at Rust’s house because I knew the house and the valuables that Rust had… I was outraged by his suggestion, as Rust meant the world to me and I would never steal from her.”

Nigel said the plan was for him to keep her “driving licence appointment” with the Rusts, during which Johannes would arrive armed and rob them.

He said everything went according to plan until he found Rust lying on the floor with her eyes closed, her mouth taped and feet tied.

“Although Johannes influenced me, I made a choice to go along with it and my only consolation is that Rust did not know that I was the one that betrayed her,” he said.