Key Takeaways
- Zurenah Smit, the accused husband killer, maintains her innocence in the murder and robbery case
- She denied any involvement in the planning of taking safe keys and R16,000 cash from her husband, Stefan Smit
- Zurenah also denied drafting or signing a fraudulent will, claiming it was found in her husband’s diary
- The State prosecutor argued that Zurenah stood to benefit from her husband’s demise, but she denied this allegation
- The case continues, with the prosecution presenting evidence and questioning Zurenah’s version of events
Introduction to the Case
The trial of Zurenah Smit, the accused husband killer, continued this week with her testimony under cross-examination by the State. Zurenah maintained her innocence in the murder and robbery case, denying any involvement in the planning of taking safe keys and R16,000 cash from her husband, Stefan Smit. She also denied drafting or signing a fraudulent will, claiming it was found in her husband’s diary. The case has been ongoing, with the prosecution presenting evidence and questioning Zurenah’s version of events.
Testimony and Cross-Examination
On Monday, Zurenah continued her testimony, speaking directly to the court without the need for an interpreter. She was questioned about her involvement in the charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances on June 2, 2019, where safe keys and R16,000 cash were stolen from Stefan Smit’s possession. Zurenah denied the allegations, stating that she had not been involved in the planning of taking the items. Her attorney, Susan Kuun, further questioned her regarding the fraud charges she faces, in which she allegedly produced documents, including a will, on January 12, 2019. Zurenah maintained that she did not draft the will or sign the document, and that it was found inside her husband’s diary.
Prosecution’s Argument
During cross-examination, State prosecutor Renee Uys questioned Zurenah about the murdered Louisenhof farm owner, who was described as a wealthy man. Uys described the murder plot as "biting the hand that feeds you." Zurenah confirmed that she and Smit signed an ante-nuptial agreement when they married in 2005. Uys also questioned Zurenah about a 2008 will in which she was named as a beneficiary nominated as a trustee, bequeathed R5 million, and the beneficiary of an insurance policy payout upon Smit’s demise. Similarly, a 2009 will was also subject to cross-examination, in which Zurenah was also nominated as a trustee and financial beneficiary. The prosecution argued that only one person stood to benefit from Smit’s demise, and that was Zurenah.
Judge’s Previous Ruling
In a separate court matter, Western Cape High Court Judge Babalwa Pearl Mantame found that the 2019 will was null and void. Judge Mantame noted that the evidence presented suggested that Zurenah had forged the three documents for her own benefit, planned, and ultimately was instrumental in the killing of the deceased to take control of the entire estate, including the trusts. This previous ruling has significant implications for the current case, as it suggests that Zurenah may have had a motive to kill her husband.
Continuation of the Trial
The matter continues on Wednesday, with the prosecution expected to present further evidence and question Zurenah’s version of events. The trial is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the court will ultimately rule in the case. Zurenah’s denial of any involvement in the murder and robbery, as well as her claim that she did not draft or sign the fraudulent will, will be carefully considered by the court. The prosecution’s argument that Zurenah stood to benefit from her husband’s demise will also be taken into account, as well as the previous ruling by Judge Mantame. The outcome of the trial will depend on the evidence presented and the court’s interpretation of the facts.
