Family members, friends and gender-based violence activists held a placard demonstration during the court appearance of the alleged killer of Christina "Nikki" Joseph and Brooklyn Hemmero.
Image: Supplied
Calls for justice heightened during a placard demonstration as the man accused of killing a Pietermaritzburg mother and her teenage daughter appeared in court today (Thursday).
Christina "Nikki" Joseph, 34, was repeatedly stabbed and her daughter, Brooklyn Hemmero, 15, was strangled in their flat in Woodlands on March 3.
Christina “Nikki” Joseph, and her daughter, Brooklyn Hemmero.
Image: Supplied
Joseph’s partner, Kyle Francis, 37, was arrested and charged with two counts of murder.
He appeared briefly via video (Audio Visual Remand) in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court, and the matter was adjourned for further investigation until next month.
Francis previously abandoned his bid for bail.
At the time, Sergeant Sifiso Gwala, the communications officer for the Umgungundlovu District SAPS, said police were investigating a case of double murder.
He said that when Joseph had returned home from work around 8pm, she found Brooklyn, a Grade 10 pupil, lying unresponsive on the bed.
“It is alleged that the suspect attacked the mother and repeatedly stabbed her with a kitchen knife. A neighbour witnessed the incident and contacted the police for assistance.”
Gwala said Francis, who subsequently slit his throat, was taken to the hospital and kept under police guard until he made his first appearance in court.
Kyle Francis.
Image: Supplied
Speaking to the POST this week, Carolina Chetty, Joseph’s cousin, said family members, friends and gender-based violence activists held a placard demonstration outside the court to demand justice.
“We will not remain silent. He must be punished for his actions.”
However, she said they were upset because his supporters mocked them and hurled insults, claiming he "was protected" and that no one would do anything to him.
“It is disappointing that people chose to support someone accused of such a crime. But we are leaving it in the hands of the court and God, so that he will face the consequences for his actions. He robbed my cousin and niece of their future and destroyed our family. We miss them very much.”