Germans found guilty in lengthy Thornhill murder trial

German nationals Jens Leunberg and Kristina Adler have been found guilty by the Port Elizabeth High Court of murder and two counts of fraud.

After intensive investigations and a trial that lasted more than five years, judge Thembekile Malusi found that the state had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Malusi found Leunberg guilty of the murder of fellow German national Claus Schroeder, who went missing on August 14 2009, while Adler was convicted on a charge of accessory to murder after the fact.

The judge said testimony by state witnesses was reliable but dismissed Leunberg’s version of events as a fabricated falsehood. He also rejected Adler’s evidence.

Malusi found that Schroeder was murdered by Leunberg after the sale of Schroeder’s Thornhill farm to the pair went awry.

An intricate scam committed by Leunberg and Adler saw the pair presenting documents from a German bank, showing that they had the finances to purchase Schroeder’s farm to start a business in SA, which Malusi found to be untrue.

Immediately after they were convicted both Adler and Leunberg were taken to the holding cells.

It is understood Adler will bring an application to have her bail extended.

HeraldLIVE