A neuropsychologist who testified in defence of Jandre Dippenaar, who faces multiple counts of murder and is bracing for sentencing, has called for the suspension of his prison term.
Last month, Dippenaar was convicted on six counts of murder for causing an accident near Henties Bay in 2014.
On the second day of Jandre Dippenaars' pre-sentencing hearing, the defence called a neuropsychologist, Willem Annandale, to the stand.
The expert recommended a suspended prison term for Dippenaar, saying a lengthy sentence would not be appropriate.
According to Annandale, Dippenaar had a trial by the media, which resulted in significant retribution and embarrassment over the past 10 years.
He says Dippenaar, who is a father of two children, has already suffered greatly, and society does not need protection from him.
Annandale noted that Dippenaar has accepted blame and does not lack remorse.
He argued that because Dippenaar has no recollection of the accident, it shows that he did not plan to cause the deadly crash.
He further highlighted that imprisonment is not typically appropriate for a first-time offender.
In the cross-examination, the state asked the expert if a suspended sentence would not force society to take matters into their own hands.
Annandale said there is some risk, but he does not see how a harsh sentence would stop the moral crusade.
The state, though, put it to the expert that Dippenaar was given a warning for negligent driving mere hours before the fatal accident occurred but continued his irresponsible road behaviour.
To that end, the neuropsychologist maintained that Dippenaar had not planned the accident.
Closing oral arguments by both the prosecution and defence are expected to be presented on Thursday before the sentence is delivered on Friday.