Pietermaritzburg, South Africa – A mother in Copesville is demanding justice for her 20-year-old son who was tragically killed in what is believed to be a vigilante attack following accusations of theft.
Michele Govender helplessly witnessed the brutal assault on her son, Ryan, as community members took matters into their own hands and subjected him to a vicious beating. Tragically, Ryan later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
The incident unfolded on Christmas Eve when Ryan was accused of stealing a grass cutter. Govender recounted how a group of men went on a relentless pursuit of her son, subjecting him to beatings at various locations in Copesville. Ryan tragically passed away on December 26 due to the severity of his injuries.
Four individuals, aged between 30 and 40, have been arrested in connection with Ryan’s murder. While two of them have been granted bail, the remaining two are currently in custody awaiting their court appearance scheduled for April 19.
Govender described the harrowing ordeal that unfolded on the fateful day, recalling how men arrived at her home accusing Ryan of theft. Despite no concrete evidence, they set out to find Ryan, eventually locating him near a local tuck shop. What followed was a brutal series of attacks that ultimately led to Ryan’s untimely death.
As Ryan’s condition worsened, Govender rushed him to the hospital on Christmas Day, where they faced challenges in obtaining a bed due to overcrowding. Despite efforts to alleviate his pain, Ryan’s condition deteriorated, leading to his passing on December 26.
Expressing her devastation over the loss of her son, Govender emphasized the need for justice to be served in this tragic case. The community in Copesville has been left reeling from the repercussions of vigilantism, underscoring the importance of addressing such incidents to prevent further tragedies.
Moving forward, Govender seeks closure and accountability for those responsible for her son’s untimely death, highlighting the need for a fair and just legal process to unfold. As the case continues to unravel, the quest for justice remains paramount for the grieving mother and her family.