Cape Town - After seven years, justice has been served for slain Yeshnee Kuni, who was burnt in her Burgundy Estate home on Women’s Day.
The judgment against Darren Kershaw was handed down in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday.
The killer had been on bail during his trial and when he was found guilty of murder and arson, he was handcuffed.
The victim’s sister, Ushanta Gangen, said: “There was no emotion whatsoever from him. He looked as if ‘oh well, this is it’. It was shocking, but then again, you would only have emotions if you were innocent. We are so happy she got the justice she deserved but even with this, the pain will never go away. Everything is now confirmed. It is no more ‘this is what SAPS thinks happened on that day’ now we know what she went through and how much pain she must have experienced. This cuts deep. It’s a trauma we will have to learn to live with.
“The judgment was the best outcome and we are so happy knowing that he is held responsible. Hearing guilty on both charges of murder and arson makes one so happy but in the same breath, it is the most heartbreaking news as well, because Yeshnee really suffered a very gruesome death at the hands of Darren Leslie Kershaw. Nobody deserves that. She was such a beautiful soul, such a loving and bubbly person.”
Brother-in-law Tereshan Gangen added that he was happy and relieved that the day had come.
“We thought SAPS and our justice system would fail us but due to their hard work, justice prevailed and we were grateful.”
The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the accused was convicted on murder and arson.
“The matter was postponed to 4 November for pre-sentence reports and sentencing procedures to begin.”
Kuni was sitting on her couch when she was doused with ethanol from her head down and set alight.
She died in hospital three days later. Kershaw was arrested and released on R1000 bail.
Kuni’s sister recalled receiving a phone call from the alarm company about her home which was alight.
“They said the panic alarm was triggered. The alarm company told me there was a fire there and that Yeshnee was already on the way to the hospital.
“I rushed to the emergency section and saw her bandaged up and the accused was there and said he didn’t know what happened to my sister.
“He referenced my sister to a movie, Ghost Rider, and said she was in flames, which didn’t make sense.”
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za
Cape Argus