After extensive investigations and unexpected postponements, the suspects linked to the murder of Meiying Gao-Chen will finally stand trial.
Mrs Gao-Chen was shot in the head by one of nine armed perpetrators, who stormed her store in oSizweni on October 9, 2015.
The Chinese community bid a final farewell to one of their own at Newcastle Crematorium on October 24.
Since the news broke, the investigating officers managed to arrest and charge three suspects for the heinous crime.
They were due to appear in court on November 20, 2015. However, the case was postponed at the last minute, pending further investigation by Hawks officials.
Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Municipal Councillor, Alex Liu, previously told the Newcastle Advertiser it was only a matter of time before the other suspects were arrested.
“We are still confident the killer will be brought to justice. If we must wait, we will wait,” he explained.
Time heals everything?
Five months down the line, the community remains fearful for their safety, forcing them to resort to extreme measures.
“Many shop owners are looking for buyers to sell their shops to. Safety is the main reason, followed by stringent immigration laws (they cannot renew their permits) and the weakening Rand,” said Cllr Liu.
He reiterated that Chinese citizens were ‘scared to come and work in South Africa’. In addition, he highlighted the fact that there have been several hijacking cases involving Chinese residents along the N11 and R34 routes.
“We have lost four lives in the past nine months to armed robberies. Not only did the culprits steal money, they took lives too,” he said.
Cllr Liu recently disclosed the suspects embroiled in the case would appear in court on February 15.
“The case will be entering the trial stage now,” he concluded.
With the proverbial red tape cleared, and investigations gaining momentum, the Chinese community remains hopeful justice will eventually be served.
