MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) –
Self-confessed child molester, Linus van Niekerk (20), is yet to be sentenced. Van Niekerk's confession on November 6 last year that he had molested an 11-year-old boy on at least five different occasions over a period of a year, sent shockwaves through the local community. He is the son of Pastor Hennie van Niekerk from the Abundant Life Ministries.
Van Niekerk was to be sentenced on December 5, but Magistrate Bennie Smith withheld sentencing in the case, asking for the compilation of a clinical psychologist's report to determine whether or not Van Niekerk can be classified as a paedophile. Sentencing was postponed until January 30, in anticipation of the clinical psychologist's report.
Up to his previous court appearance on December 5, Van Niekerk had conducted his own defence. In the meantime, local attorney André Naudé was instructed to act in his defence during sentencing. Due to this development, sentencing was again withheld last week, to give Mr Naudé enough time to consult with his client. Van Niekerk's case was then provisionally postponed until Friday, February 6, depending on whether or not the clinical psychologist will be able to attend court proceedings. He was to testify last week, but the State was instructed to cancel his appearance, in light of the new developments.