victims husband lauds cops

Father and son - the husbands of the Myburgh women who were brutally attacked by Daniel Motshwarateu and Helton Matsimela - shook hands with police Warrant Officer Simon Malaphane and hugged State prosecutor Elize Schoeman outside the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court, thanking them for their efforts in getting the men behind bars.

Hans Myburgh’s wife, Annatjie, and Edri, the wife of his son, Henk Myburgh, unexpectedly survived the “horror movie” attack last year.

They have patiently waited for justice, with Edri’s father, Hein Meyer, attending every hearing since the case started.

The two Myburgh men said they were grateful that the trial was over and were satisfied with the sentence.

Fighting tears, Hans said his wife died in January. He hoped he might find some consolation in the sentence.

“This is still going to be a long road to healing. The question is just how long will these men really serve before they are out again.

“But the police did a marvellous job. It helps a bit that the attackers did not go free.

“They have been sentenced for what they did, but not for the hell we have been through. Henk and I have been through one hell of a trauma.

“You arrive there (when they were notified of the attack), see all the blood and don’t know what to do. I think the pain will continue for a very long time,” he said.

What happened to his wife, daughter-in-law and domestic worker could happen to anyone – “you are just lucky if it is not you”, he said.

Annatjie daily gave Motshwarateu vegetables and bought milk for his baby. “She was like a mother to them,” Hans said.

Henk said Edri also had not been the same since the attack, but she continued with her life.

“I realised shortly after the attack that God will judge the attackers. I know the magistrate has judged and sentenced them, but they still have to stand before God. Fortunately our faith has grown and carried us.

“My dad is suffering a lot. He is alone. At least I still have my wife,” Henk said.

While the attackers waited at the holding cells to be taken to jail, they noticed female photographers waiting for them. “We’ll be back in eight or 10 years,” they shouted, adding sexual insults.

However, as they were led to the waiting van, the men covered their faces with bags. - Pretoria News