Nelspruit magistrate postpones judgment in Johan Louwrens' culpable homicide trial
Magistrate Patrick Morris was due to deliver his verdict today, Wednesday, July 30, but informed the court that he had not yet completed his review of the documentation. He cited the prolonged duration of the trial, the large number of witnesses, and the volume of technical evidence as contributing factors to the delay.
Louwrens stands accused of fatally hitting Mbombela businesswoman Letisia Niemann (38) with his bakkie outside Mustangs – The Dancing Place on the night of September 28, 2019, and fleeing the scene.
During closing arguments on June 19, the State noted Louwrens admitted to being in the area and driving the white Toyota Hilux involved in the incident. Eyewitnesses, including the victim's husband Eben Niemann, testified to seeing the bakkie strike Letisia Niemann. Vehicle tracking data and a reported confession were also presented, alleging Louwrens admitted to hitting her and fleeing while intoxicated.
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Louwrens claimed his vehicle struck a ditch and got a flat tyre, but the State argued this matched the accident scene. The defence challenged witness inconsistencies, visibility conditions, and the GPS expert's qualifications.
Evidence suggested the bakkie veered into oncoming traffic before hitting Niemann, who died shortly after at Kiaat Private Hospital. Louwrens handed himself over to police, was granted R1 500 bail, and the case – initially withdrawn due to police errors – was later reinstated, with Louwrens released on a warning.
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