Religious leaders from across the Cape Flats marched through Parow on Sunday as they held an open air interfaith service in front of the home of slain UWC student Jesse Hess.
Shortly after 2pm, Christian and Muslim clergy took to the streets and prayed for a speedy arrest of the perpetrators who murdered the first-year Theology student and her 85-year-old grandfather, Chris, in their Parow flat on 30 August.
The march and service, which was arranged by the Service and Allied Workers’ Union of South Africa (Sawusa), was also attended by Mayor Dan Plato.
Wilfred Alcock of Sawusa says they handed over a memorandum to police and other government roleplayers to take action.
Religious leaders from across the Cape Flats marched through Parow on Sunday as they held an open air interfaith service in front of the home of slain UWC student Jesse Hess. Picture: Leon Knipe
“As she was a Theology student we arranged this service to call for unity with the religious leaders to put an end to gender-based violence, but we are also handing over a memorandum as we are not happy that there has been no progress (in the case).”
Meanwhile, the 14-year-old Heinz Park girl who was raped, beaten and murdered was laid to rest on Saturday.
The service for Janika Mello was held at a packed Colorado New Apostolic Church.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Mello’s home from as early as 6.30am to pay respects to the Grade 6 pupil of Northwood Primary.
Family members wore T-shirts with her face on it.
Janika Mello was laid to rest on Saturday.
MEC for Health, Nomafrench Mbombo, attended the funeral along with MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela and Councillor Ricardo Mckenzie.
On 1 September, the teen’s body was found in her ouma’s backyard.
Used condoms were found around her and her face was bashed in with a concrete block.
Her ouma, Pauline Butler, said residents pointed the suspects out to police the same day.
Two suspects, aged 16 and 18, will appear the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
FAREWELL: Janika’s funeral