The taxi driver who ran over and killed 16-year-old Bernadine Kruger earlier this year was convicted of murder in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Handing down judgement to Percyval Matji (31), magistrate Edmund Patterson said: ”It was not a mistake. It was not negligence.”
On hearing judgement, Kruger’s mother Elsabe Homan seated next to her family let out a loud ”yes”.
Patterson said from the evidence it was determined that Matji ”deliberately” followed Kruger and ”wanted her out of his way”.
He said Matji had made a lethal weapon of his vehicle by driving at speeds far exceeding the limit.
He said Matji’s testimony — which had been filled with contradictions — that his brakes did not work and his taxi was too heavy to stop quickly enough was not believable.
”He knew the motorcyclist [Kruger] will fall off if involved in a collision, he knew the motorcyclist would land on the road and active traffic might kill her. He reconciled himself with this thought,” said Patterson. ”The accused reconciled him with the particular consequence that would follow. He did foresee the possibility of death and persisted in his conduct with indifference to the fatal consequences.”
Kruger was killed on February 23 this year while driving to her school in Garsfontein.
Speaking outside the court, Homan said she was ”ecstatic” and ”relieved”.
”It will never bring my darling daughter back, but it’s a relief that he got what he deserved. She was innocently killed.”
Kruger’s brother Danie (18) was visibly pleased with the ruling.
”It’s unbelievable, I’m glad and wish Matji could go to jail forever,” he said, before hugging his mother again.
Matji’s bail was extended from R1 000 to R5 000 despite calls from the prosecution that he be placed in custody.
Patterson granted bail on condition that Matji give full details of his other address in Mpumalanga and report to the police station each day.
Sentencing would be heard on September 17. — Sapa