Family of young woman shot dead in Boksburg prays for justice

BT AND BA
Jani de Beer

At 27 years old, Michaela Moonsamy Yellepan seemed to have the world at her feet, conquering her personal goals with determination.
Merely six months into her marriage to Cameron, she embodied a blushing bride, with the pair dreaming of starting a family.
With glee, they had crossed off the days because they looked forward to celebrating their first anniversary in October in picturesque Zanzibar.
However, the excitement turned tragic when Michaela lost her life after a shooting at the Key Largo Centre in Boksburg in the early hours of May 18.
Glancing up at a life-sized framed picture of his sister, Jeremy Moonsamy steels himself as he recounts the tragic events that led to the Sunward Park High School alumni’s death.
“I worked late on the evening of May 17 and did not feel like going out but a friend from Kwa-Zulu Natal was visiting, so I joined my brother-in-law and a couple of friends at Classic India,” Jeremy said.
“Michaela was out for dinner with a church friend at Emperors Palace. It was just after midnight when she caught up with us in Boksburg. About 10 minutes after her arrival, we decided to head home.”
It is alleged that upon exiting the restaurant’s upstairs area, a brief verbal altercation erupted between one of Jeremy’s friends and another patron.
The altercation allegedly spilt over into the parking area when one of the disgruntled customers fired shots at the group, injuring two of the friends and fatally wounding Michaela.
One of the victims was shot in the face, while the other sustained a gunshot wound to the foot.
“It was sheer chaos. As shots rang out, my sister and I took cover behind a parked vehicle,” Jeremy said.
Despite her calm demeanour, Jeremy said he could hear panic in Michaela’s voice as she uttered the haunting words: “Jeremy, I’ve been shot.”
“Time froze. She collapsed to the ground. I could see blood on her face. I would later learn she was shot in the chest. My first instinct was to get her to a hospital. Holding her in my arms she said, ‘Jeremy, don’t leave me, I love you‘. My sister died in my arms,” he said
The SAPS arrested three men in connection with the incident.
At the time, the SAPS district office’s spokesperson, Captain Neldah Sekgobela, said they were charged with murder and attempted murder. A sole suspect was since charged with the crime and granted bail of R5 000.
He should appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on August 30.
Adventurous spirit
Speaking about their faith and upbringing in Dalpark, Brakpan, and later in Benoni, Jeremy said as siblings, they shared a close bond fostered in a loving home built on faith, forgiveness and care.
“Our father, Jason, is an outreach minister with King Jesus Living Word Ministries International. We spent most of our days serving in the ministry,” he said, recalling this time.
“Michaela loved every moment spent at the church and worshipping. She lived the gospel.
“In 2011, we accompanied my parents to India, where they helped establish a ministry, including an orphanage. I think this is what piqued Michaela’s adventurous spirit. She was always trying new foods and exploring thrilling activities.”
Again, looking at a picture of her wedding day, Jeremy said Michaela’s death has left a vast void in the family’s lives.
“Following her death, my dad suffered a heart attack. My mother keeps herself busy – to avoid the silence, it seems – and Cameron is shattered,” he said.
“Anger and resentment will not bring her back. We just want to see justice served.
“Michaela’s favourite Bible verse was 1 John 1:9: ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’. For now, we find solace in these words.”