Forensic pathologist flags discrepancy with murder weapon Eugene Botha says he used to kill his father

JOHANNESBURG - The guilty plea of a Germiston man who killed three of his family members has been slightly delayed due to confusion over the murder weapon.

In his plea, Eugene Botha said that he killed his father using a gun, however, post-mortem results indicate that Johannes Botha died of blunt force trauma.

On New Year’s Day in 2024, Eugene killed his mother, Marrie, younger sister, Soné, and his father in a violent fit of rage at their Germiston home.

Eugene appeared at the Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday.

In his guilty plea, Eugene Botha said that he killed his sister and mother by hitting them on the head several times with a hammer.

Eugene said he stole his father’s legal gun and shot him in the head with it.

However, forensic pathologist, Dr Itumeleng Motloung, testified in court on Tuesday, disputing Eugene's version of events.

"The injuries from a gunshot and injuries from blunt force are completely different and being such a small area, the head, I could have noted. The injuries I noted are not consistent with the history and story of gunshot."

In addition to the three counts of murder, Eugene is also charged with the theft and illegal possession of a firearm.