FOR four years, the flat allegedly linked to the deaths of Nicholas and Matri Molver has stood vacant at Observatory Court in Musgrave, a stark reminder of the family’s tragic loss as they pursue justice.

Environmental justice advocate Nicholas, 35, and graphic designer Matri, 34, were found dead in their Currie Road apartment on September 28, 2022.

A toxicology report showed that the young couple died after inhaling toxic fumes that had seeped into their home from the neighbouring flat, which had been fumigated, allegedly with a banned and deadly substance. The fumigator is alleged to have used aluminium phosphide, a highly toxic, restricted-use fumigant that releases poisonous phosphine gas when it comes into contact with moisture.

Nicholas’ mother, Zoë Molver, who has never given up the fight to get justice for her son and daughter-in-law, said the flat was finally cleaned in April, bringing the family one step closer to closure.

Also Read: Fumigation expert weighs in following tragic death of Musgrave couple

Molver said the owner had to be sent a lawyer’s letter by the body corporate to force her to clean the flat, “which remained as it was on September 28 in 2022”.

“My youngest son had to move out of Observatory because he could not take walking past that flat, which is what you have to do to get to ours,” said Molver. “At the time, he said knowing that the flat is still covered in that powder ‘takes me straight back to that day’.”

Molver said the flat remaining in that state had exacerbated the family’s trauma. “I just think it would have been thoughtful for her to clean the flat.”

“Nicholas and Matri stood no chance that day. Had we known what happened and tried to take them to hospital, they would have died in agony there. When they went to sleep at home, there was no chance of saving them. If that wind had been strong that day more people could have died.”

Also Read: Brother who found late Durban couple shares touching tribute

As Monday marked another year since the deaths of Nicholas and Matri, whom Molver described as the hub of the family, she said they have moved one step closer to justice, with the matter set to return to the Durban Magistrate’s Court for a pre-trial hearing on October 7.

Molver said she wants to give her victim impact statement in person and look the accused in the eye.

“I want to stand in court and look him in the eye and tell him of the impact that horror of my children’s death has had on the family. We have learned to navigate our lives alongside with the grief, we move with it. You do not get over it, you learn to live with it.

“My children did not die in a car accident or in a home invasion, they died in the safest place, their home in bed. They were in the prime of their lives, having married in 2018.”

“Me running this case is partly to raise awareness and hold the fumigator accountable because he was not registered and did not bother to read the label on the chemical that he was using,” she alleged. “I’m hopeful that our case will set a precedent and prevent future losses of lives.”

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