WATCH: Michaela’s family flocks to court as proceedings continue
The matter was postponed until March 6.
The family of Michaela Moonsamy Yellapan arrived in their numbers at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on February 6 in support of justice for the 27-year-old.
She was fatally shot in front of the Key Largo Centre in Boksburg in the early hours of May 18.
The Benoni family attended the court session wearing pink T-shirts reading “We want justice for Michaela Moonsamy Yellapan,” and holding placards bearing the same message.
Brandon Govender made an appearance in connection with the murder. He is facing a murder charge as well as two attempted murder charges.
State prosecutor Max Molchoathi said that the State had applied for the matter to be transferred to the regional court. However, the senior public prosecutor had not yet made a decision as he is working in Vosloorus.
Govender’s representative, Advocate Lingile Jwaqa, argued that the docket should have been handed to the senior prosecutor long ago.
The matter was postponed to March 6.
Speaking to the Boksburg Advertiser outside the court, Michaela’s father, Jason Moonsamy, said it had been eight months of deep pain.
“I believe justice will be served. Apart from justice, nothing will bring our baby back. It has set us back and taken a piece out of our home, but we thank God for bringing peace back to us.
“I want to thank everyone on social media for their love and support, and I also want to express my gratitude to family and friends.”
Marlene Kisten, Michaela’s aunt, said this is not only a matter of justice for her murder, but also for the future Michaela will never see.
The victim’s uncle, Steven Kirsten, said he is happy with the completion of the police investigation.
“We are pleased to note that the investigations are complete. However, we are disappointed that the certificate of completion has not yet been granted.
“Overall, we are satisfied with the progress. We hope that things will proceed more quickly going forward.
“In three months, it will almost be a year since the tragedy, so we would like to see more agile progress on this matter and for it to be finalised as soon as possible.
“It’s heartbreaking for the family. This situation is truly weighing on our hearts and we want it resolved as soon as possible.”
Michaela’s husband, Cameron, also thanked everyone for showing up and for their love and care during these trying times.
Her brother Jeremy explained that his friends that were injured in the same shooting have recovered.
Background
Jeremy previously spoke to the Benoni City Times about the fateful night.
“I worked late on the evening of May 17 and did not feel like going out, but a friend from KwaZulu-Natal was visiting. I joined my brother-in-law and a couple of friends at Classic India,” Jeremy said at the time.
“Michaela was out for dinner with a friend at Emperors Palace. It was just after midnight when she met up with us in Boksburg. About 10 minutes after her arrival, we decided to head home.”
It is alleged that, upon exiting the restaurant’s upstairs area, a brief verbal altercation broke out between one of Jeremy’s friends and another patron.
The altercation allegedly spilt over into the parking area when one of the disgruntled customers fired shots at the group, injuring two of the friends and fatally wounding Michaela.
One of the victims was shot in the face, while the other sustained a gunshot wound to the foot.
“It was sheer chaos. As shots rang out, my sister and I took cover behind a parked vehicle,” Jeremy said.
Despite her calm demeanour, Jeremy recalled hearing panic in Michaela’s voice as she uttered the haunting words: “Jeremy, I’ve been shot.”
“Time froze. She collapsed to the ground. I could see blood on her face. I would later learn she had been shot in the chest. My first instinct was to get her to a hospital. Holding her in my arms, she said, ‘Jeremy, don’t leave me, I love you.’ My sister died in my arms,” he said.
The SAPS district office’s spokesperson, Captain Neldah Sekgobela, said three men were arrested. One suspect was since charged with the crime and granted bail of R5 000.
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