Family seeking closure pin hopes on inquest
THE inquest trial into the alleged disappearance of local woman Faieka Esop Ali, who went missing under mysterious circumstances 10 years ago, will resume in the Durban Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
Esop Ali’s family hope to find closure on their relative’s disappearance, which has remain unsolved since 2007.
The family said their only option now was to leave the matter in the hands of the justice system.
As part of the hearing, which began in June and was later adjourned, a forensic team from Pretoria were sent to Pinetown three weeks ago, to scan a possible site where Esop Ali could have allegedly been buried.
She was 41 at her time of disappearance.
The search was ordered by Magistrate Imran Khalil, who is hearing the matter.
Esop Ali was last seen with Durban businessman Sateesh Isseri, who she was believed to have been in a relationship with at the time of her disappearance. He was charged with her murder in 2015, but the charges against him were withdrawn last November.
Her family, who believe she was murdered, were distressed that, to date, there was still no sign of her body and that her disappearance remains a mystery. Esop Ali, who would have been 51 this year, was last seen with Isseri, when they both left her Malvern home.
It was alleged that Esop Ali was to be taken to a clinic to receive medical treatment by Isseri. At the time of her disappearance, Isseri told police he had been driving with Esop Ali in Parlock when they were attacked by suspects who had assaulted him and taken Esop Ali.
Several witnesses testified in the ongoing hearing relating to her disappearance, which started early in June but was later adjourned.
One of the witnesses, Esop Ali’s daughter, Fehmida, testified that she had last seen her mother with Isseri and gave details of the day of her disappearance.
She testified that her mother was unwell and was picked up by Isseri, who was expected to take her to receive medical treatment.
Esop Ali’s brother, Samad Shaik, said the family had lost hope in the justice system.
He said they were disappointed that even the possible burial site, which was searched for evidence, would not provide answers, because it has changed in the last 10 years. “The site, alleged to have been where my sister’s body was buried, had to undergo many changes in terms of new developments ... The possibility of finding anything there is bleak.
“We will have to wait for the trial to be concluded and see the outcome,” said Shaik.
Isseri’s attorney, Anand Nepaul, said his team was present for the forensic search, but he did not know if anything was found.
“My client is dealing with the matter as it goes along. Whatever the evidence ... we will deal with it as and when it comes,” said Nepaul.