Slain Father Had Hired Private Investigator

Durban man Johan Lotter, fearing for his life and those of his wife and children, had hired private investigators after receiving death threats in the week leading up to his murder.

Lotter, 53, and his wife, Magdelena, 52, were slain at their Thames Drive, Westville, home at the weekend.

Their children, Hardus and Nicolette, appeared alongside Mathew Naidoo, Nicolette's boyfriend, on two charges of murder in the Pinetown magistrate's court on Wednesday.

Lotter had been strangled, and his wife died of stab wounds.

Private investigator Brad Nathanson said Lotter had approached him last week after receiving several SMSs and a letter threatening his life.