UMHLANGA couple, Graham (90) and June (83) Kahn, said they feel justice has been served after Thandanani Gumede was sentenced to 18 years for robbing them at knifepoint more than a year ago.
The couple spoke to Northglen News about carving out a slice of history by being the first witnesses in the Durban cluster to give evidence using Microsoft Teams.
According to spokesperson for the Durban North SAPS, Capt Raymond Deokaran, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) successfully conducted its first ‘Leading of Witnesses’ through electronic media at the regional court in Durban.
He added the pilot trial was made possible through the joint effort by the NPA, SAPS and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Related Story: Detectives secure lengthy conviction in uMhlanga robbery case
“We had actually been to court twice before prior to the lockdown and the suspect hadn’t pitched,” explained June Kahn.
“Then Covid-19 changed everything and our doctor advised against going to court due to the high risk. Detective Shezi told us he would do everything in his power to ensure justice was served and that he would not let the suspect get away with what he’d done.
“During the court case, we were able to testify from our home and we had the two detectives, members of the NPA and two technicians who ensured we could answer questions posed in the court. I’d never seen anything like this before but every part of the trial was handled professionally and done to make us feel comfortable. I cannot thank the NPA, detectives Shezi and Ngcobo, the North Durban Victim Support Unit, the uMhlanga UIP and Marshall Security for everything they did for us. The support we had was incredible. Detective Shezi drove us to court when we could and Marshall would drive us back to our home, they were all fantastic and deserve the praise,” she said.
June Kahn added that she now feels a sense of ease following the sentencing.
“I do have a sense of ease now but it has been hard to put what happened behind me. Loud sounds still scare me so we are still skittish,” she explained.
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