Yeshnee Kuni, who was 33 at the time, had been set alight in the home, a secured complex, she shared with her boyfriend, Darren Leslie Kershaw in Burgundy Estate on August 9 in 2017.
SEVEN years after a Cape Town woman was doused with a flammable substance and set alight on Women’s Day, her family believe justice has finally been served.
Yeshnee Kuni, who was 33 at the time, had been set alight in the home, a secured complex, she shared with her boyfriend, Darren Leslie Kershaw in Burgundy Estate on August 9 in 2017.
Kuni, a manager for an import and distribution company, suffered extensive burn wounds and smoke inhalation. She died in hospital shortly thereafter.
Last Tuesday, Kershaw, 40, who was arrested and charged in connection with her death, was found guilty of murder and arson in the Western Cape High Court. His bail was also revoked.
Kuni’s younger sister, Ushanta Gangen, 38, also of Cape Town, said justice had been served.
“This has been the most difficult experience of our lives, but we are very happy with the outcome. We waited seven years for judgment day, of which two years was the trial. My dad and I sat through the trial, painfully, for each appearance in the same room as the now convicted.
“It was torturous but we pulled through because we needed to know what happened to our beloved Yesh. Sadly, my mom passed away in 2022 and she didn’t get to witness this day, which would have given her so much peace and comfort, knowing that he is held responsible. We thought this day wouldn’t arrive but we are so grateful to the SAPS and the justice system for doing outstanding work ensuring that justice prevails,” she said.
Gangen said they were also at ease knowing that Kershaw’s bail had been revoked.
“Had he been convicted and still out on bail, he would have been a serious danger to all of us. Justice has been served but it doesn’t change the loss and deep void we have. I truly pray that he suffers each day he is in prison for all the pain he has inflicted.
“We do have a bit of closure in knowing that he is held responsible for what he has done and there is one less very dangerous person on the streets, but the healing journey is going to be a very lengthy one,” she said.
Gangen said she and Kuni shared an amazing bond.
“We were only two siblings and just two years apart, her being the older. We spoke every day, either by WhatsApp or a phone call. We were always there for each other no matter what.
“She had a very infectious laugh which we miss dearly. She loved cooking and I miss all her delicious meals. She was a bubbly, outgoing, loud and extrovert woman, who just loved life. I miss everything about her. It is not easy to go from always having your sister there wherever you go, to being alone,” she said.
Gangen added that they spent a lot of time together.
“We would see each other sometimes during the week, and spent most weekends together. We always went out together and most times I would leave a party earlier than her because we were different in that way.
“I still recall the Friday prior to her passing, on August 4, we attended a friend’s birthday party together. It was the most fun we had in a while. That was also the last night we were together, but over the weekend, we had spoken. We last chatted the day before the incident. We spoke about our plans for the
public holiday which we normally spent together. But this time we couldn’t as I had some work to do. She said they (Kuni and Kershaw) were going to just chill.
“My sister also never told me that she was being abused, because she knew that if I knew, that relationship of theirs would be over. She loved him so much that she covered up everything. She hid all her pain from his abuse, passing it off as her Lupus,” she said.
Gangen added that Kuni had many dreams and plans for her future.
“My sister was an explorer. She enjoyed travelling and doing things. My biggest heartbreak is that she didn’t get to see her niece and nephew. She absolutely loved children.
“Since I got married first, she couldn’t wait for me to have children so she could spoil them. My children will never have that fun aunt in their lives and it breaks my heart. They always ask about her and that’s something I have to face every day. She would have also celebrated her 40th birthday this year. It would have been a great celebration,” she said.
Gangen said they hoped for a life imprisonment sentence.
“He deserves nothing less than life in prison. He needs to suffer for what he has done.”
Eric Ntabazalila, the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in Western Cape, said: “I can confirm Kershaw has been convicted for murder (not premeditated) and arson.”
The case was adjourned for sentencing procedures to November.
The POST
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