Angry Eastridge residents gathered at the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court yesterday to protest against the release of a gunman accused of killing a young father and shooting his pregnant girlfriend.
The family of Brandon Isaacs, 28, with the support of the community, picketed outside the court building where they called for the bail application of the 18-year-old suspect, Dante Rudolph, to be denied.
Brandon was killed in a drive-by shooting just a day before his son, Zeek, was due to be born in September.
His death has left his girlfriend Bertha Robain, 27, to raise their two children on her own.
The couple had been together for nine years and have a seven-year-old daughter, Zeeah.
Bertha, who was 40 weeks pregnant at the time, was hit in her leg, went into shock and was hospitalised.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the suspect was arrested on 9 September and charged with murder.
On 12 September, Brandon was laid to rest at Klip Road Cemetery and two days later Bertha gave birth to their son, Zeek Brandon, at the Mitchells Plain District Hospital.
The young mom said on Monday: “It’s a struggle. Zeek is now three weeks old and it has been very hard for me.”
“Brandon was a man that was always there for his children and was excited about the birth of his son. If he was here today, I know he would be here to help me all the way.
“Now I am raising him on my own and this was supposed to be a happy time for us.
A relative of Brandon, who asked not to be named, says the family is still confused as to the motive for the shooting.
Bertha said the family had gathered in the front yard while she and Brandon were making food to sell when the gunshots rang out.
According to witnesses, two gunmen in a VW Citi Golf jumped out and fired a hail of bullets in the street and towards the house and Brandon was hit.
The female relative says: “We were not allowed inside court. For us it is still very hard because we don’t know why Brandon was shot and the community is very upset.”
However National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Eric Ntabazalila says at this stage Rudolf has not yet been charged with Brandon’s murder.
“Rudolf is currently charged for an old attempted murder case and an assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm,” he says.
“This matter has been postponed to 29 October for a bail application.”
He says Brandon’s case was not enrolled yet “due to lack of prima facie evidence. However we are consulting with witnesses and a warrant will be authorised soon.”