Defence takes aim at witness

THE defence for two of the six men accused of murdering a Theescombe couple in 2009 yesterday attempted to poke holes in the testimony of a witness.

Pumza Billy, 22, of Greenbushes was testifying at the trial of Vernol Fillis, 39, Mbulelo Breakfast, 31, Vuyo Plaatjies, 33, Makwenkwe Lunga Pamle, 24, Lukhanyo Bolo, 24, and Zonwabo Kilani, 25.

The six have pleaded not guilty to charges of housebreaking with intent to rob, robbery, kidnapping, rape and the murders of George Venter, 78, and his wife Jacoba, 67, in their Theescombe home on May 31 2009.

Billy said she was at Plaatjies's house on the night of the murder when he and four others left and returned hours later with money and jewellery. Blood stains were on their clothing, she said.

Billy said Breakfast then offered her a necklace and a pair of earrings.

Breakfast's defence counsel, Richard Crompton, said Breakfast would testify he was never at Plaatjies that day as he was at his own house with his two children.

He said Breakfast would testify he took his children to his mother's house and then visited a tavern where he spent most of the night.

"He believes the reason you manufactured this story is because you were found with the necklace and earrings and then tried to shift the blame," Crompton said.

Appearing for Vuyo Plaatjies, Eric Skepe put it to Billy that she did not visit Plaatjies's house either on the day of the attack.

"He will testify on that day he was at his house with his girlfriend as he was on parole," Skepe said

The matter continues today. - Lee-Anne Butler