Life sentences for ‘Sunday rapist’
THE “Sunday rapist” was handed five life sentences and an additional 170 years by the high court sitting in Alberton yesterday.
Johannes Jacobus Steyn was found guilty of 33 out of 37 charges which range from murder, culpable homicide, rape and sexual assault to kidnapping and attempted kidnapping. Judge Sita Kolbe said with all the evidence she did not believe he could be rehabilitated. “The community should be protected from you.” The judge was disheartened at knowing that Steyn’s victims, who were mainly children, would never have normal lives.
Lazanne Farmer’s mother broke down. “I’m happy he got those sentences, but that will never bring back my child.” Lazanne jumped out of Steyn’s vehicle soon after he kidnapped her in 2010. She hit the road and died after suffering critical injuries.
Steyn agreed to spend a few minutes speaking to the media. He was asked why he chose to burn Louise de Waal’s body.
“I decided to burn her when I couldn’t decide what to do with her body.” He said he had never been molested in childhood. He was asked whether he wanted to apologise to his victims. “Nobody was there when I spent nights… crying and begging for God’s forgiveness,” he said as he broke down.
When asked for further comment, he said: “It will all be in the book.” The court was told earlier that Steyn had begun writing a book on his life since he was in prison.
The National Prosecuting Authority has welcomed Steyn’s conviction. – Sapa