Jerobejin van Wyk murder case set to conclude Monday with sentencing of Daniel Smit
Fifty-eight-year-old Daniel Smit, who was taught how to kill as a member of an occult group during his youth, has admitted to snapping the neck of 13-year-old Jerobejin van Wyk in February 2022 after knocking him over with his bakkie and then offering him food.
Murder accused Daniel Smit in the Vredendal Magistrates Court on 29 Octiber 2024. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/EWN
CAPE TOWN - A journey for justice in a child murder that touches on the influence of the occult, reaches a conclusion on Monday.
Fifty-eight-year-old Daniel Smit, who was taught how to kill as a member of an occult group during his youth, has admitted to snapping the neck of 13-year-old Jerobejin van Wyk in February 2022 after knocking him over with his bakkie and then offering him food.
The murder took place in Smit's home, in the town of Klawer, on the West Coast, after he had accused the boy and a friend of stealing fruit off his property.
The self-confessed killer will be sentenced in Vredendal on Monday.
At the age of 13, Smit became involved with a Chinese occult group that taught him black magic and how to cast spells.
Over time, he got involved in Satanism, before converting to Christianity when his son was born in 2000.
Smit has submitted two letters in which he apologises and asks for forgiveness, while also offering his bakkie to the grieving mother.
However, in her submission, Triesa van Wyk stated she was unsure her heart would ever heal and she'd never forgive her son's killer.
Having secured a conviction of premeditated murder, the State, is opposing a defence request for a 30-year sentence, arguing only life imprisonment would deliver justice.