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Accused plead for donations for defence

Two Durban siblings accused of murdering their parents made an impassioned plea to the public yesterday for donations to fund their defence.

Two Durban siblings accused of murdering their parents made an impassioned plea to the public yesterday for donations to fund their defence.

Nicolette Lotter, 26, and her younger brother Hardus, 20, also thanked the public for their prayers and support "in this difficult time".

The two made the plea for donations and gave their thanks in a statement issued by their legal team, Grundlingh Attorneys, following a brief appearance at the Pinetown regional court yesterday.

The siblings, along with Nicolette's boyfriend Matthew Naidoo, are charged with the murder of Johannes and Magdalena Lotter.

The father was allegedly strangled while his wife was stabbed to death at their Westville home last month.

Grundlingh Attorneys said the donated funds would be used to make payments to experts hired to assist in the trial. The statement even provided bank details under Nicolette Lotter's name.

In court, the state and defence agreed to remand the case to September 30 when Naidoo would make an application for bail.

They also agreed that the three would be remanded to Westville Prison until their next appearance.

However, magistrate Yogan Naidoo suggested that instead of going to prison, Naidoo be sent to Fort Napier institution for 30 days to be evaluated, as the prison did not have the facilities to cater for a psychologist's evaluation.

Naidoo's attorney Rajendra Nathalal declined, saying that the evaluation had nothing to do with his client's mental capacity at the time of the offence. - Sapa

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