IT was another disappointing day for family, friends and supporters of slain Durban North resident Siam Lee as her murder trial was provisionally adjourned to 11 April at the Durban High Court on Monday morning.
Lee’s mother, Carmen Nan Lee was not present at the hearing today.
A close family friend said Lee’s death and the trial have been taking its toll on Nan Lee.
A small group of protesters, Kwanele, a movement of prostitute survivors, demonstrated outside the court, showing solidarity for Nan Lee and her late daughter.
It is alleged that Lee was working in the sex industry when she was brutally killed, however, family and friends maintain that she was employed as a masseuse.
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The state has alleged that the accused was Lee’s last client before she was abducted on Margaret Maytom Avenue in Durban North on 4 January 2018.
“Many women in the prostitution industry are killed by their clients; not the police or anyone else. They are vulnerable to these men. We are here today to send a message that we will not rest until prostitution is abolished. We are calling for dignity and human rights,” said Sphindile Cele of Kwanele.
Lee’s charred body was found, following a nation-wide search, dumped on a sugarcane farm in New Handover two days after she disappeared.
On 17 January 2018, the 30-year-old businessman was arrested at his Assagay home. He cannot be named as he is yet to plea in a separate rape case.
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