Moonsamy family ensure another show of force at court appearance of murder accused
Almost a year after his sister's death, Jeremy Moonsamy still has not processed the tragedy.
Michaela Moonsamy Yellapan will forever remain in her brother Jeremy’s heart, and her name permanently inked on his right arm.
The 27-year-old Benonian was fatally shot at the Key Largo Centre in Boksburg in the early hours of May 18, last year.
Brandon Govender (48) appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court in connection with her murder on March 6 on a charge of murder and two charges of attempted murder.
Michaela’s family once again attended court in large numbers, wearing pink T-shirts that read Justice for Michaela Moonsamy Yellapan.
The matter continues on March 25.
Jeremy explained that he decided to get a tattoo with Michaela’s name to honour her and continue her legacy.
In addition to the tattoo, he also drives around with stickers on the windows of his car that read: “My guardian angel, my sister, Michaela Moonsamy,” with wings surrounding Michaela’s name.
The large sticker is placed on the back window of his blue VW Citi Golf, and smaller stickers are on the side back windows.
Michaela and Jeremy had a strong sibling bond, nurtured in a loving home rooted in faith, forgiveness and care.
Jeremy said that even though it is almost a year after the incident, he is still struggling to pick up the pieces.
“I haven’t accepted or processed his sister’s death,” he said.
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.
Also Read: WATCH: Michaela’s family flocks to court as proceedings continue
