The Western Cape High Court has convicted Daniel Smit of several serious charges, including the premeditated murder of 13-year-old Jerobejin van Wyk. The incident took place in February 2022, after Smit accused van Wyk and another youth of stealing fruit from his property. Later, human remains were found in the sewage pipes at Smit’s residence, leading to his arrest.
Smit was charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, violating a corpse, and obstructing justice. Although he pleaded guilty, he claimed the murder was not planned. Judge Hayley Slingers, however, ruled that Smit’s actions showed clear intent.
Following the verdict, Smit’s defense presented psychologist Casper van Zyl, who described Smit’s withdrawn personality, Christian upbringing, and eventual involvement with occult practices starting at age 13. Van Zyl expressed concern about how easily a young Smit was drawn into these practices, noting that Smit was hesitant to share details, possibly due to fear of judgment.
