To mark one year since the tragic deaths of six-year-old Shaylynn Arendse and nanny Maureen Abrahams, 60, relatives lit candles in their memory while calling for justice.
The two were standing on a pavement on the corner of 5th Avenue and Strandfontein Road in Lotus River on 27 September last year when they were struck by a white VW Golf.
The driver was Moegamat Rafiek Hayners, 25, of Hanover Park.
Hayners initially fled the scene, but days later handed himself over to cops. He was granted R1000 bail.
GONE: Maureen Abrahams.
The car was found abandoned at a relative’s home in Hanover Park.
Hayners, facing two charges of culpable homicide, is expected back in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on 11 October for the start of his trial.
On Thursday, family and friends of Shaylynn and Maureen held a vigil at the home of the little girl’s grandparents.
The family wore white T-shirts with Shaylynn’s picture on and lit candles spelling out her name.
Shaylynn’s grandmother, Brenda Tommy, says they are calling for justice after numerous court postponements: “We’re not happy with the delays surrounding the case. Closure is needed for the family and he needs to be punished for his actions.
“Don’t escape the scene of the accident and go missing for four days and then declare that you are traumatised,” she says.
ACCUSED: Moegamat Rafiek Hayners, 25
“Two innocent lives were taken, yet the driver says he’s traumatised. Those lives cannot be returned, nor replaced.
“The law and order that we are supposed to be living under is non-existent in certain cases.
“He’s out, a free man; something needs to be done in this regard. That’s why we insist that justice is served.
“I’ve placed the matter in God’s hands and believe He will not only carry us through the heartache and pain, but will ensure that justice is meted out.
“As we go to hear him plea to the charges laid down, I’d like to ask everyone who’s able to join us to come along and support us on 11 October.
NEED CLOSURE: Dad Chris Tommy en ouma Brenda upset at continuous delays at court.
“Thanks to everyone who’ve supported us. Your prayers and support has been a comfort and has assisted us in our time of grief.”
While out on bail, Hayners was arrested by the Hawks at a storage facility in Somerset West in November 2018 and was found in possession of drugs valued at R8.9 million.
After his arrest, cops busted Russel Stanton Jonathan, 53, Mark Overmeyer, 51, and Zaynisa Alfoz, 45, for their alleged involvement. They got R50k bail at the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court.
To mark one year since the tragic deaths of six-year-old Shaylynn and Maureen, relatives lit candles in their memory while calling for justice.