The parents of murdered Stellenbosch student Inge Lotz are suing her ex-boyfriend Fred van der Vyver for R4-million each, said Dani Cohen, spokesperson for the Lotz family on Monday. Van der Vyver was acquitted of the murder of Lotz.
”Juanita and Jan Lotz are claiming damages from Van der Vyver in the amount of approximately R4-million each. This is on the basis that Van der Vyver’s unlawful and intentional killing of Inge caused them severe shock and psychological injury,” said Cohen in a statement.
The summons was served on Van der Vyver at 3pm on March 14 by the Sheriff of the Court, at Old Mutual where he is currently employed.
Juanita and Jan Lotz called Inge ”their sunshine child and an angel. She was the apple of their eye” said Cohen.
”They have been devastated by the murder of their beloved only child and their pain has not abated with time. Juanita Lotz has said that when Inge died, her soul died.
The Lotz family, represented by law firm Jan S de Villiers, ”acknowledge that the civil damages they are claiming from Van der Vyver will not bring Inge back, but her death has caused substantial harm to themselves as is evident in the claim for psychological damages,” Cohen said.
Van der Vyver’s advocate, Dup de Bruyn, said that the Van der Vyver family was ”shocked and saddened” by the latest development.
The Sunday Argus reported that De Bruyn ”said he knew who was behind the action and what their motive was, but he would not elaborate”.
”The criminal trial may be over, but the law has not finished with Fred van der Vyver,” said Cohen, adding that the Lotz family believes there is sufficient credible factual evidence to establish that Van der Vyver murdered their daughter. – Sapa