Accused husband Zurenah Smit killer breaks down in court

PROCEEDINGS at the Western Cape High Court were dramatically suspended yesterday when murder accused Zurenah Smit broke down while testifying about the night of her husband's death. The emotional collapse brought the high-profile case to a temporary standstill.

- CHEVON BOOYSEN

Smit was being led by her defence attorney Susan Kuun about the murder charge she faces.

It was Smit's testimony that she and husband Stefan Smit were having supper with a friend on the evening of the murder when she said they heard "a huge noise".

Smit told the court: "I heard... I saw this dark side of someone rushing... screaming 'money where is the money??. And I screamed.

"Later in my nightmares, I remember being strangled (and) being lifted off my feet. I remember being pulled up from the floor and being thrown down beside Amelia."

Proceedings were halted briefly for her to compose herself and the matter was postponed to today.