Six weeks before their murder, the Lotter couple were told through a letter that they had a month to live, the Pinetown Regional Court heard on Tuesday.
Investigating officer Constable Kubendran Naidu was testifying at the bail application of Matthew Naidoo.
The 22-year-old applicant, along with his girlfriend Nicolette Lotter and her brother Hardus, are accused of murdering their parents — Johannes and Magdalena Lotter.
During the testimony, it was revealed that the Lotter couple had received three threatening SMSs and letters.
”The SMSs were sent to Mr Lotter and in the SMS there were threats against Mr and Mrs Lotter as well as their children,” said the officer.
”In the first letter, it said ‘in a month’s time you will be killed’ and six weeks later Mr and Mrs Lotter were killed,” Naidu said.
The court heard that Johannes suspected Matthew Naidoo to be the one sending the messages.
During his testimony, the constable described how the Lotters were killed.
He said Magdalena Lotter was shocked with an ”electrocution machine” before her hands were bound with cable ties.
”Her mouth was then gagged with a sock and then shut with duct-tape.”
A syringe was used to inject an air bubble into her bloodstream. This was done several times and on different parts of her body.
”Thereafter she was assaulted and stabbed several times.”
Magdalena died at the scene.
Naidu told the court that Johannes Lotter was in his bedroom when a piece of electric cable was used to strangle him.
”During this act a fight broke out with Mr Lotter. He was also assaulted and died of his injuries.”
His naked body was found lying in the passage.
Later Naidoo pointed out where ”exhibits” were hidden — in dustbins at two intersections in Westville. Police found syringes, three pairs of gloves, cable ties, insulation tape, a sock and the bloodied clothing belonging to the siblings.
All three accused later made confessions to police, but Naidu said they contradicted one another.
The case continues. – Sapa