The victim’s family is happy with the sentence, although there is no closure

The family of Yeshnee Kuni, who died after being set on fire, says that although they are happy with the outcome of the murder case, they will never be able to find closure.

Her boyfriend, Darren Kershaw, was convicted in September and on Wednesday the Western Cape High Court sentenced him to life imprisonment. mangand three years for arson.

The sentences will run simultaneously.

A life sentence means that the person will remain in prison for the rest of his natural life unless parole is granted by the president or the court.

Kershaw set Yeshnee on fire at Burgundy Mansion during an argument on Women’s Day in 2017.

Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said the Western Cape police administration expressed its gratitude to the investigating officer and the prosecution team and provided information about the gruesome murder.

Manyana explains: “Introductory information reveals that on August 9, 2017, the victim was braaing and drinking with her boyfriend at their home in Burgundy Manor and an argument broke out between the two.

“The boyfriend then poured ethanol on the victim and set her on fire. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries.

“The investigating officer gathered all the information at his disposal to catch the criminal. His sweat paid off when he arrested a 41-year-old man on murder and arson charges.

“The defendant was found guilty of those charges on September 17 and sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and three years for arson on November 14.

“Gender-Based Violence against women and children remains a priority for the Western Cape police, who will make extra efforts to prosecute perpetrators.”

Kuni’s sister Ushanta Gangen said: “Yes, justice prevailed, we are very grateful for that, but he deserves more than life (behind bars).

“He deserves to suffer so much every day of his life, just as we experience this trauma without him.

“We are grateful that he was sentenced to life imprisonment, but even that does not mean this kind of closure.

“It gives comfort, yes. You can file a lawsuit for closure for a death that occurred due to an accident or ill health.

“But the theft of someone’s life, a murder, how do you cover that?

“This is a trauma we have to live with for the rest of our lives.

“It’s so sad because Yeshnee truly suffered such a horrific death at the hands of Darren Leslie Kershaw.

“No one deserves this. “He had such a beautiful soul and was such a loving and joyful person.”

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