Grief at Lismore murder trial delay

By Masilo Malakwane

KESTELL – The family and relatives of seven Lismore farm murder victims were left heartbroken and in tears at the Kestell magistrate court on Wednesday, 22 February after hearing that the murder trial of Lerato Selepe (34) and his nephew Kamohelo Motankisi (22), has been postponed again.

Both the accused were alleged to have attacked and murdered Sesi Smith’s stepson Rudi Smith and five of her employees Nokufa Portia Monareng, Nomasonto Christian Zulu, Lerato Julia Moloi, Mothoduwa Paulina Moloi, and Anna Topsi Maduna at the Lismore farm near Kestell in July 2022. The trial was previously postponed to allow for further investigations.

Speaking to this publication, the late Sesi Smith’s Sister Novaziphalala Skhosana said she was devastated at yet another postponement of the trial.
“I am deeply upset about this postponement because every time we come here we had to relive the trauma we went through,” said a disappointed Skhosana.

Another family relative, Khelina Radebe felt the justice system is failing them and it’s like the suspects’ rights are more important than the victims’.
“I mean no one could explain to us exactly as to why the case is being postponed again. My entire family was murdered yet the suspects sleep in comfort with security guarding them 24/7.

“Every day I have to live with the trauma of looking at my sister’s toddler and explaining to her where her mother is. I cannot sleep properly at night because every time I come here I have to face these two bustards who murdered my family in cold blood,” she said as she broke down.
“They might as well throw out the case and release them, because this is unacceptable,” she said.

The trial is postponed until 22 March 2023 as the State is awaiting DNA results. These have not yet been presented to the court.