A 24-year-old man burst into tears after he was handed down two life sentences in the Tokoza High Court for the murders of his parents

Beeld reported on Monday that on June 28 2008, Lester Abrahams, now 24, had an argument with his father, then shot and killed him with his own gun, a 9mm pistol.

He then beat his mother to death with a metal pipe, in front of two children — his younger brother and a female cousin.

Abrahams threatened both the children with dire consequences for several years if they told anybody about the killings.

State prosecutor Advocate Deon van Wyk told the court that the traumatised children would bear the scars of what they had seen for the rest of their lives.

Dr Gerard Labuschagne, head of the police’s investigation focused psychology unit, testified on Friday that Abrahams showed psychopathic tendencies.

“I’m cautious about labelling him a psychopath, because he was a drug addict.

"Nevertheless, there are indications that point towards him having psychopathic leanings before the drug use.

"The accused is charming, has a huge ego, shows no remorse, leads a parasitic lifestyle and is a pathological liar,” Labuschagne said.

Maluleke found that the motive was greed, as Abrahams had inherited R3,7 million from his parents, which he spent in less than four years.