Eugene Botha deserved no mercy - court

JOHANNESBURG - The Johannesburg High Court has justified a three-life sentence handed down to convicted killer, Eugene Botha, saying he deserved no mercy. 
 
Botha was sentenced on Wednesday for the murder of his mother, Marrie, his father, Johannes, and his younger sister, Soné. 
 
On the first of January 2024, Botha killed all three in a violent fit of rage, at their Rondebult home, in Germiston. 
 
Post-mortem results reveal they all died from being repeatedly hit on the head with a hammer.
 
Arguing in mitigation of sentence, Eugene Botha's lawyer pleaded with the court to show mercy. 
 
Sibabalwe Ngxumza said Eugene showed remorse by entering into a guilty plea and his actions were not premeditated.
 
However, Judge Gcina Malindi, said there were no compelling circumstances for him to deviate from handing down the maximum sentence. 
 
"There is nothing in the circumstances under which the accused committed these crimes that calls for the court to show mercy."
 
Eugene was also sentenced to ten years for possession of an unlicenced firearm, five years for possession of a firearm and three years for defeating the ends of justice. 
 
The sentences will run concurrently.