Isis-linked trio found guilty of killing British botanists in KZN

The alleged Isis-affiliated trio accused of murdering British botanists Rodney and Rachel Saunders in 2018 were found guilty on all charges in the Durban High Court on Tuesday.

Former Umdloti residents Sayefudeen Aslam Del Vecchio (46) and Bibi Fatima Patel (36), along with co-accused Malawian national Ahmad Jackson Mussa (44), were convicted of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, theft and two counts of murder. Del Vecchio was further found guilty for malicious damage to property relating to arson that caused R2.4-million worth of damage to sugarcane in Umdloti in 2017.

The primary case follows the kidnapping, torture and murder of the Saunders’ in the Ngoye Forest near Mtunzini in February 2018. Their bodies were later dumped in the crocodile-infested Tugela River and their accounts drained of R734 000.

When the group were arrested at their homestead near the forest on February 15, police found Isis flags and literature, although terrorism charges were dropped.

The Saunders’ bodies were later found and identified through dental records. Forensic experts testified that Rodney had wounds consistent with animal predation, sharp and blunt force trauma, while also showing signs of drowning. Rachel suffered fatal chop wounds to the skull from a heavy bladed instrument, multiple stab wounds to her back and extensive animal predation.

Through evidence led in court, the state proved that the three accused lived near the forest, were together at the time of the kidnapping and shared common purpose in committing the crimes. Phone records and DNA evidence further confirmed their involvement.

A Saunders family representative from the UK said they were relieved to hear the guilty verdict and to have closure following the eight-year process.

Sixty-two witnesses testified throughout the case, with only accredited media allowed in court to protect their identities. Judge Esther Steyn described the matter as unique, citing the unusually high number of interlocutory applications brought by the defence, including an unsuccessful bid to remove lead prosecutor, senior state advocate Mahen Naidu.

Del Vecchio and Patel were known to the tight-knit Umdloti community in the lead up to the arson incident and murders. Some feared them.

Residents complained about Del Vecchio riding a quad bike in the sugarcane, carrying what appeared to be a cross bow and a rifle and allegedly poaching animals in what is now known as the Sibaya Coastal Forest Reserve. He denied the poaching allegations.

He was found guilty of setting fire to large sections of Tongaat Hulett-owned sugarcane fields in the Bellamont Stables, Blackburn Village and Sibaya Casino areas in September 2017, which caused nearly R2.4-million in damage. Judge Steyn noted the fire was the most destructive arson incident ever suffered by Tongaat Hulett.

Security officers testified that they saw a bearded man matching Del Vecchio’s description driving a white Ford Ranger registered in his name. According to their evidence, an object was thrown from the car moments before a fire ignited.