Lotz trial: Cops sued for R46m

15 May 2008 10:30 - Staff Reporter

Fred van der Vyver is suing the government for R46-million after its failed bid to pin on him the murder of his girlfriend, Inge Lotz, the Times reported on Thursday. Van der Vyver, a Cape Town actuary, was acquitted in November last year. The judge dismissed the evidence against him as flimsy and criticised the police.

Fred van der Vyver is suing the government for R46-million after its failed bid to pin on him the murder of his girlfriend, Inge Lotz, the Times reported on Thursday.

Van der Vyver, a Cape Town actuary, was acquitted in November last year.

The judge dismissed the evidence against him as flimsy and criticised the police investigation as shoddy.

Lawyers for Van der Vyver on Wednesday filed papers with the Cape High Court, giving the minister of safety and security details of the claim.

The papers said Van der Vyver demanded a total of R46,1-million to cover his legal fees, loss of earnings and other costs incurred in fighting the murder charge.

The parents of Lotz—who was stabbed and bludgeoned to death three years ago—are seeking R8-million in damages from Van der Vyver.