Family questions justice system

THE brother of slain businessman Kidesh Ramjettan said they were losing faith in the justice system.

This, after it was revealed that one of the three accused arrested for his murder, had been released from prison just months before the killing.

Ramjettan was shot dead outside his petrol station business in August.

Menziwa Mdakane, who is currently in prison awaiting his bail application, was arrested with eight others in 2013 for being part of a syndicate responsible for blasting five ATMs in KZN and shooting at anyone who got in their way.

In 2016, they were each handed three life sentences for the murders of Pietermaritzburg K9 officer Vidhur Jadoo and civilians Bongokuhle Nkosi and Sizwe Gule at Utrecht.

Mdakane and his co-accused were cleared of all charges when they won their appeal against their conviction and sentencing in March this year and were released from prison.

Reacting to the news that his brother’s killer had been arrested previously for a spate of serious crimes, Anesh Balraj said they had lost faith in the justice system.

“Justice is very hard to come in this country. This man left two ladies widowed. The fact that he was cleared of the charges shows the failure of the justice system. If the State did their job, he would have still been in prison and my brother would still be alive.”

Balraj added that this weekend, the family also sold Ramjettan’s Glazer Motors garage, in Clairwood.

“Our parents don’t want to go to the garage since the shooting because they are too traumatised. We three brothers always looked after one another and our businesses but it became hard for us to travel and keep up.

“The business requires a lot of attention, which is what Kidesh gave. On Friday we all cried, the family and the staff.

“Today (Tuesday) is his son’s first birthday. On Diwali, my parents and I were held at gunpoint and assaulted. We are so hurt by everything and so tired of being afraid and putting up fences.”

Jadoo’s wife, said she was shocked when hearing that Mdakane was linked to both shootings.

“I don’t have any words at the moment. I didn’t realise the connection between both shootings. I am really disappointed.”