Mortimer Saunders found guilty of murdering Courtney Pieters, aged three

Mortimer Saunders, the only suspect in the killing of toddler Courtney Pieters, was found guilty for the murder and rape of the three-year-old in court on Wednesday.

The case – which saw ex-President Jacob Zuma visit the Pieters family – horrified all right-minded South Africans, who were incensed once details of the case were made public. Saunders incapacitated her with rat poison, before penetrating her after her death.

Mortimer Saunders found guilty for Courtney Pieters killing

BREAKING: #CourtneyPieters killer Mortimer Saunders found guily of premeditated murder and rape.@TeamNews24

— Christina Pitt (@ChristinaPitt94) November 7, 2018

When the judgement was handed down, he showed no emotion. He had previously apologised for his actions, but his remorse meant very little on the context of his crime. After he had murdered and defiled Pieters, he hid her body in the Epping region.

Mortimer Saunders judgement

A search party spent nine days looking for the child, who was eventually discovered in a shallow grave near the Pieters’ household. Juanita, the mother of Courtney, was also facing some tough questions this week when it was revealed she’d lied about seeing Saunders on CCTV.

She knew it was him when first questioned if she could identify the person, but assuming he had nothing to do with the crime, Juanita covered up for the man who used to live with her. Judge Mantame overlooked this, however, and handed down a scathing judgement of the accused:

“This Court is equally alive to the economic status of Miss Pieters. She left the children alone in order to earn a living. Unfortunately, the children suffered the consequences of being born in a society that is poverty stricken.”

“The behaviour of the accused is the most brutal, ruthless and vicious this court has ever seen. Miss Pieters is granted immunity from prosecution. This Court is satisfied that the state proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Mortimer Saunders, you are found guilty of rape and murder. “

Saunders’ sentencing hearing will take place on Tuesday 4 December at the Western Cape High Court.