Cape Town - Two suspects accused of being behind the brutal murder of Mitchell’s Plain crime fighter Soraya Schoeman’s son made a brief appearance in court on Monday.
The 51-year-old and 24-year-old indicated their intention to apply for bail.
Farouk Schoeman, 26, was allegedly lured from his home in KleinMakka, Lentegeur, in November.
His body was later discovered with multiple stab wounds, leaving the community shocked and heartbroken.
The gruesome details of the murder painted a horrifying picture of the violence he endured.
It is believed Farouk was tortured, with severe injuries to his chest and barbed wire tightly wrapped around his neck.
His family alleged that the murder was planned, because of the multiple death threats he received before.
The family said they are still battling with the trauma of losing Farouk in such a violent manner.
“He did not deserve to go the way he did. It was ruthless, and he was someone who would not hurt a fly. He supported his own habits and never bothered anyone,” said Farouk’s cousin, Shahieda Schoeman.
Shahieda, speaking on behalf of the family, noted that her aunt, Soraya, has taken a step back from her community work following the tragedy.
“She is taking a break from community work. It’s just the shock of this hitting so close to home,” she said.
Despite her absence from the streets, Soraya’s supporters have rallied around her.
One of these supporters is Felicity George, whose son, Benedict Courie, was beaten to death with a baseball bat nearly a decade ago.
George said: “No mother should have to endure this pain. We stand together.”
Shahieda also remarked on the family’s mixed emotions regarding the arrests.
While they are relieved that the alleged perpetrators are now in custody, they were taken aback by the accused’s decision to apply for bail.
“We are thankful for the work the detective and cops did, now it’s all in the hands of the justice system.
“Also just that thought of them applying for bail, after what they did?
“We will be there for every court date.
“Farouk deserves justice, and we won’t rest until that happens,” Shahieda said.
The case has been postponed to December 17 for further investigation.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za