Trial for the murders of Rod and Rachel Saunders

[Pattock]

After multiple delays, the trial at Durban High Court of those accused of murdering Rod and Rachel Saunders* in February 2018 started last Tuesday, 11/4/2023.

The prosecution are dealing first with a charge of arson from September 2017. Connected to that charge is the suggestion that the ringleader of the three accused had been involved in poaching. His permission to access the farm where the arson occurred "was withdrawn after complaints that he was poaching and destroying natural plants." The other report has this as "hunting on the properties and destroying indigenous trees".

We will probably never know but that may explain why the murderers encountered Rod and Rachel Saunders.

The prosecution are calling 70 witnesses. The trial may last until 15/6/2023.

https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/new-tri ... st-couple/

https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/arson-a ... der-trial/

https://www.news24.com/news24/southafri ... s-20230412

* Botanists and founders of the remarkable Silverhill Seeds in Cape Town, South Africa. https://silverhillseeds.co.za/meet-the-team/

[Herts Mike]

Good to hear from you again. Please keep us informed.

[Pattock]

Thanks, but I am just popping in to continue this unfinished business.

I probably don't want to but if you want to follow the trial that website looks to be doing daily reports:
https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/saunder ... mits-farm/
https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/court-h ... ank-card-/
https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/more-wi ... der-trial/

I may be getting some fresh Quaqua mammilaris seeds soon, if they ever clear customs. Do you want a few?

[Herts Mike]

Yes please!

[Pattock]

Now its, If Fedex website can get over their technical difficulties so I can pay the 11p import tax and £4.25 Fedex tax handling charge.

[Herts Mike]

Leave it with you P.

[DaveW]

Its in the British papers too now. Caution graphic content.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... trial.html

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-new ... e-29748580

[juster]

Yes, it's a dreadfully shocking crime. Awful to think of what those gentle people went through, and also upsetting for their families and friends.

[Herts Mike]

Anybody know if it’s still ongoing?