State challenges testimony about alleged ‘Mo’ hitman in Viljoen murder trial
A witness told the court that Kerry-Leigh Viljoen’s alleged Islamic-law husband was hired to kill Terry Viljoen, but the State challenged the account as inconsistent with her earlier statement.
Claire-Ann Smart, a woman accused of aiding in the murder of Terry Guy Viljoen, has been criticized by the prosecution for providing a fabricated account involving a phantom hitman, "Mo," in the Durban High Court. During her testimony, Smart alleged that Viljoen had married a man known as "Mo" during a separation, and that Mo was a sniper hired to kill Terry.
However, the State presented a statement from Smart's sister, who claimed that the family believed "Mo" was a fabricated persona invented by Viljoen. Furthermore, the State argued that Smart and Viljoen had discussed the murder as early as October 2023, a claim Smart denied. Smart's mental health history, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, was also brought up during cross-examination, with her sister testifying that she had never witnessed Terry abusing her. Smart's defense conceded that it was likely a mistake on her part.
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