The case against a woman dubbed “The Lakeside Butcher” took a surprising turn in the Western Cape High Court on Thursday.
Convicted murderer Sheree Prins, 22, from Citrusdal, was expected to be sentenced but instead, the court heard that the defence has now decided to call two witnesses.
The matter concluded last month after the defence failed to call a single witness to the stand.
Prins, dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt, black jeans and a white headband, was all smiles as she spotted her family in court.
MORAL SUPPORT: Sheree Prins’ family attended court. Photo: Noor Slamdien/ANA Pictures
The young woman was found guilty of murder, housebreaking with the intent to steal and theft, and housebreaking with the intent to commit an offence unknown to the State.
Presiding Judge Bruce Langa handed down a guilty verdict after Prins admitted to the crimes in court but did not enter a plea.
The defence closed their case without calling any witnesses and Prins did not take the stand in her own defence.
Prins broke into the home of Sandra Malcolm, 74, in Capri Mews, Lakeside, in April 2015.
Sandra caught her, but then felt sorry for her and fed her tea and toast after the young woman pleaded for help with a burnt foot.
According to her statement, Prins said she feared Sandra would call the police, and stabbed her 24 times, before beheading, dismembering and disembowelling the elderly women in her own yard.
DEAD: Sandra Malcolm, 74
On Thursday, Prins’ defence lawyer, Advocate Leandra Adams, said her client’s father had intended to testify in mitigation of sentencing, but then changed his mind.
Instead, she would be calling two other witnesses including Prins’ mother.
“The father no longer wishes to testify in the proceedings. However, the accused’s uncle has come forward stating her mother, Susan Prins, and a Mrs Petru will testify.
“In light of these circumstances I have not had time to consult with the witnesses and, therefore, ask the court for a postponement,” Adams submitted.
NOT READY TO SPEAK: Sandra’s daughter, Alison Williams. Photo: Noor Slamdien/ANA Pictures
State prosecutor, Liezl Herbst, agreed to a postponement as the State was still waiting for a report from the probation officer.
Speaking outside court, Sandra’s heartbroken daughter, Alison Williams, says the family is not ready to speak yet.
“As a family, we have decided that once the matter is done and sentencing has been given, we will then speak to the media,” Alison said.