Former radio DJ Donald Sebolai’s version of his girlfriend’s death is likely true because it was tested under hypnosis.
This is according to psychologist Professor Saths Cooper‚ who on Thursday continued to testify for the defence in Sebolai’s murder trial‚ in the Johannesburg High Court‚ sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
Sebolai‚ 38‚ allegedly murdered his girlfriend Rachel Flavia “Dolly” Tshabalala‚ 32‚ after the couple had a fight at his Soweto flat in June last year.
Sebolai has pleaded not guilty and claims that Tshabalala attacked him with a knife and she was stabbed when he tried to fend her off.
Cooper assessed Sebolai about a week before the trial started in order to establish the DJ’s state of mind‚ and has told the court‚ under cross-examination‚ that he was initially sceptical of Sebolai’s version but changed his view after placing him under hypnosis.
Cooper said that‚ unknown to Sebolai‚ he hypnotised him and took him to the scene of the crime. In this state‚ Sebolai told Cooper of the struggle for the knife that led to Tshabalala’s death‚ he said.
Although Cooper conceded that hypnotherapy is a flawed lie detector‚ he said that he was confident in his ability to perform this kind of therapy and get results.
But prosecutor Elize le Roux said that Cooper’s report on Sebolai’s mental state and his finding that he did not intend to stab Tshabalala is flawed as it only takes into account Sebolai’s version of events.
Le Roux then told Cooper of the pattern of abuse that allegedly characterised Sebolai’s relationship with Tshabalala‚ and asked if this information might change Cooper’s psychological report. Cooper said it might.
In Cooper’s report‚ Sebolai admits that he has slapped two other women in his previous romantic relationships.
Le Roux asked Cooper if there might be a link between Sebolai’s alleged comment about Tshabalala’s vagina being too large for enjoyable sex and the fact that she was stabbed in her pubic area.
Warrant Officer Pheeha Esrom Mabitsi testified earlier that Sebolai had told him that this was the reason for wanting to end his relationship with Tshabalala‚ but Sebolai denies making the remark.
Cooper said that if Mabitsi’s version is true‚ Tshabalala’s injuries would be consistent with it.
The trial continues.
DJ Donald sticks to his version under hypnosis
Former radio DJ Donald Sebolai’s version of his girlfriend’s death is likely true because it was tested under hypnosis.
This is according to psychologist Professor Saths Cooper‚ who on Thursday continued to testify for the defence in Sebolai’s murder trial‚ in the Johannesburg High Court‚ sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
Sebolai‚ 38‚ allegedly murdered his girlfriend Rachel Flavia “Dolly” Tshabalala‚ 32‚ after the couple had a fight at his Soweto flat in June last year.
Sebolai has pleaded not guilty and claims that Tshabalala attacked him with a knife and she was stabbed when he tried to fend her off.
Cooper assessed Sebolai about a week before the trial started in order to establish the DJ’s state of mind‚ and has told the court‚ under cross-examination‚ that he was initially sceptical of Sebolai’s version but changed his view after placing him under hypnosis.
Cooper said that‚ unknown to Sebolai‚ he hypnotised him and took him to the scene of the crime. In this state‚ Sebolai told Cooper of the struggle for the knife that led to Tshabalala’s death‚ he said.
Although Cooper conceded that hypnotherapy is a flawed lie detector‚ he said that he was confident in his ability to perform this kind of therapy and get results.
But prosecutor Elize le Roux said that Cooper’s report on Sebolai’s mental state and his finding that he did not intend to stab Tshabalala is flawed as it only takes into account Sebolai’s version of events.
Le Roux then told Cooper of the pattern of abuse that allegedly characterised Sebolai’s relationship with Tshabalala‚ and asked if this information might change Cooper’s psychological report. Cooper said it might.
In Cooper’s report‚ Sebolai admits that he has slapped two other women in his previous romantic relationships.
Le Roux asked Cooper if there might be a link between Sebolai’s alleged comment about Tshabalala’s vagina being too large for enjoyable sex and the fact that she was stabbed in her pubic area.
Warrant Officer Pheeha Esrom Mabitsi testified earlier that Sebolai had told him that this was the reason for wanting to end his relationship with Tshabalala‚ but Sebolai denies making the remark.
Cooper said that if Mabitsi’s version is true‚ Tshabalala’s injuries would be consistent with it.
The trial continues.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos