Skielik murder accused Johan Nel could repent and live a normal life, criminologist Irma Labuschagne told the Mmabatho High Court on Tuesday.
”Although a long-term jail sentence is most appropriate, Nel can change for the better if offered proper rehabilitation,” Labuschagne testified.
On Monday Nel pleaded guilty in the Mmabatho High Court to four charges of murder, including that of a three-month old toddler and a 10-year-old schoolboy, as well as 11 charges of attempted murder.
The court was expected to hand down judgement on Friday, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported.
North West police spokesperson Superintendent Lesego Metsi said another psychologist was expected to testify for the defence before the state psychologist took the stand.
The trial had been scheduled to take place from Monday to Friday this week.
Nel allegedly went on a shooting spree in the Skielik informal settlement in the North West on January 14. The attack, which was believed to have been racially motivated, left four people dead and 11 wounded.
Enoch Tshepo Motshelanoka (10) Anna Moiphitlhi (31) her three-month-old baby Kegitlho Elizabeth Moiphitlhi and Sivuyile Banani (35) were killed. – Sapa