There has been another delay in the murder case of Pietermaritzburg nurse Aleyka Shaik, with her ex-husband, Keith Chetty, expected to return to court next month for a formal bail application.
Chetty, who is accused of murdering Shaik, had initially abandoned his bail application but has since indicated that he intends to apply for bail.
The matter was postponed to August 7.
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Her husband, Tristan Arjuna, who attended the court proceedings, said the repeated delays were adding to the family’s pain.
“I constantly think about her and the twins. They would have been here by now. It is just our daughter and I, and she is as strong as her mother,” said Arjuna.
The recent school holidays were especially emotional because we would all have been spending time together. We know they are watching over us.
He said the family hoped the matter would now proceed without further delays.
“We hope that bail is not granted. He must receive a life sentence,” he said.
Unite Against GBV founder Elton Adkins said the organisation would continue supporting the family in their pursuit of justice.
“We will continue to stand with the family and fight for justice for the innocent lives that were taken,” said Adkins.
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Bombay Heights ward councillor Renisha Singh said the latest postponement was disappointing and prolonged the family’s suffering.
“The fact that he abandoned his bail application and is now reapplying is a waste of the court’s time. We hope there will now be a speedy trial because the family has endured enough,” said Singh.
