Griekwastad Killer

Griekwastad Killer – Justice served

Alleged murderer Don Steenkamp is set to apply for appeal after receiving his sentence of over 20 years imprisonment for the murders of his father Deon Steenkamp, 44, his mother Christelle, 43, and sister Marthella 14.

During April 6 in the year 2012, near the small town of Griekwastad in the Northern Cape, three murders and a rape took place shocking people from all across South Africa. Don was only nearly 16 when the horrific ordeal took place.

A Petrified Don at his hearing (Source: http://bit.ly/WLHNZr)

Given 20 years for each murder, 12 years for raping his sister and another four years for lying to the police, Don is expected to get parole only after the remaining three years in juvenile detention (when he turns 21) and once a portion of his sentence has been served within the adult section. His parole eligibility will also be measured by The Department of Correctional Services after he has been successfully rehabilitated.

He is now 18, which has granted media the right to publish his name. So far three newspapers have published the name of the teenager. Two days prior to his birthday, Judge President Frans Kgomo said to him, “in two days you are a man. Now, be a man,” before sentencing the boy to over twenty years in prison.

On the morning of the murders, Don would come screeching into Griekwastad in his father’s Isuzu bakkie. Covered in blood, the boy of 15 allegedly lied to police about the murders that took place on the farm. According to the Saturday Star, Don, while sitting in the back of police officer De Waal’s vehicle, asked what was required in order to inherit everything. Deon Steenkamp’s estate is worth millions, having ownership over a collection of farms and livestock.

Family and friends of the teenager are absolutely shocked and confused by the incidents that had taken place, however Steenkamp’s grandmother maintains that she has forgiven him and believes that he must get the correct help. She claims that she didn’t think that he knew the things that he was doing were wrong and that she still loves him.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Steenkamp will more than likely appeal the case as he has the right to do so and all indications are that he intends to.

Before his sentencing, the judge told Steenkamp to face the consequences of his deeds and the Steenkamp family spokesperson said that the family expect strict conditions be met before he is considered for parole, such as psychological evaluations.