THREE men accused of robbing and murdering Richards Bay immigrant couple Ernst and Liselotte Boller and torching their house, will be indicted to High Court.
Andile Phila Mbuyazi (25) of Nhlabane, Zabani Mbuyazi (23) of Mbazwane and Sipho Mthiyane (28) also of Nhlabane, appeared in the Richards Bay District Court on Tuesday.
However, the National Prosecuting Authority decided the trial will commence in the High Court, due to the seriousness of the offences and the possible sentences which could follow, should they be convicted.
They are charged with murdering the 77 year-old Ernst Boller and his wife, 87 year-old Lieselotte Sophia Boller on 5 September last year, at their residence on 7 Mackerel street Meerensee.
They are also charges with robbery of the couple’s Hyunda Tuscon and numerous valuable items including a Rolex watch, electronic equipment, diamond rings, gold coins and a firearm, and a fourth count of arson.
The three were arrested after a massive manhunt by a special task force comprising Empangeni Crime Intelligence, Empangeni Cluster Task Team, Tactical Task Team and Richards Bay Detectives.
Mbuyazi was employed by the victims as a gardener.
On the eve of the incident, the couple missed a dinner appointment at a waterfront restaurant with friends and did not answer phone calls.
Shortly after 6pm, their security company responded to the house alarm, while neighbours alerted the fire department after smelling smoke and noticing flames.
When the fire was extinguished, the couple’s bodies were discovered in the ruins.
Their gruesome murders sent shock waves through the local and international communities.
Ernst was originally from Switzerland and Lieselotte from Germany, but they made South Africa their home and were well-known in the yachting community.
The accused will remain in custody for the duration of their trial.
The case was remanded until 19 May.
