Kwa-Thema – The family of Ayanda Simelane is pleading for justice after the state dismissed the charges against the accused, who was known to Ayanda, for her murder, at the Springs Magistrate’s Court.
After waiting two years, Ayanda’s mother, Selina Simelane, describes how shattered her heart is that the trial will not continue.
“The case was postponed a few times.
“Then eventually we were told the trial will begin on June 8.
“But when we arrived on Monday, we found out there will be no trial.”
Mam Selina says she does not understand how the trial can be dismissed when she was told the state had enough evidence to connect the man to her daughter’s murder.
She says she and a few other members of her family were meant to be witnesses for the prosecution.
“We gave them everything they asked for, as they were investigating.”
Ayanda’s lifeless body was discovered on May 26, 2018, in Mokhitli Street, Phomolo.
She was 21 years old.
“I remember our last conversation.
“In retrospect, I think she was saying goodbye.
“She called me with his phone, not her own.
“She kept saying that she misses me and loves me,” says Mam Selina.
The man was charged with Ayanda’s murder in October 2019.
The family described Ayanda and the man’s relationship as volatile and abusive.
They allege she had a protection order against him.
“In a different incident, Ayanda sent a voice note describing how he had beaten her up,” adds Palesa Moagi, a family member.
The family says they made the investigating officers aware of all of these incidences.
Also read:Â Ayanda’s case postponed for the third time
“We ask the community to support us, as we fight for justice.
“Stand with us.
“If anyone has information that can help in the investigation, please come forward,” says Mam Selina.
Brian Sithole, from One Strong Voice Foundation, says: “After so many postponements, the family is just devastated.
“They were hoping for justice to be served.”
Sithole alleges that Ayanda’s mom lives in fear of her life because she was threatened by the man.
He says One Strong Voice Foundation will not rest, but will continue to support the family to have the charges reinstated.
“Even in the double murder trial against another accused not so long ago, the very same court told us the case could not be prosecuted.
“The case was dismissed at some point.
“But the case was eventually heard in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
“As a foundation, we call for the case to be reviewed and reinstated.
“We request the state to charge the accused with premeditated murder.
“And we request that the minimum sentence should be life in prison.”
Also read:Â Murder case against Ayanda Simelane’s suspected killer postponed
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