Family and friends of the missing three-year-old Liyaqat ‘Lee’ Mentoor, who went missing on 16 March last year, heaved a sigh of relief as the trial has finally started.
The accused, 29-year-old Onke Hartin Mashinini, who is facing charges of premeditated murder, kidnapping, child neglect, defeating the ends of justice as well as aggravated robbery (not related to this case), appeared again in the Johannesburg High Court again yesterday, 2 September.
This was also the first day of trial at which some of the key witnesses testified.
Also Read:
https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2019/03/18/missing-toddler-one-year-laterjusticeforlee-one-year-later-web/
Estelle Delport, the family representative, said, “Today, while we may have started trial, other families may have just started where we were more than a year ago. We are facing an epidemic in South Africa where individuals assume that it’s ok to kidnap, rape, murder and abuse those who are vulnerable. The world has become a sick twisted place, and we need to stand up as individuals and say enough is enough.
“We need to be the change we want to see and be the voice for the voiceless. We need your support in court, to make sure that ‘The Change Makers’ take note and that justice is served, when Onke Hartin Mashanini is convicted.”
Read more:
https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2018/03/27/helpfindlee-watch-familys-heartbroken-plea-for-lees-safe-return-web/
Trial continued today, 3 September, as more witnesses testified.
The Record will keep readers updated as events unfold.
