Since the beginning of the bail application process, family and friends have gathered outside the Ladysmith Magistrate Court silent protest against bail for those accused of Kiren Lewis’s brutal murder.
Over the past few weeks, the court has heard the harrowing and gruesome details of the attack on Kiren Lewis, which occurred on Boxing Day, last year. Kiren tragically endured a violent assault before being driven over by a vehicle, allegedly by the five men currently facing charges.
The five accused—Manesh Rampersadh, Manjo Rampersadh, Rekesh Rampersadh, Sheneil Rampersadh, and Showale—sat silently in the dock as witnesses presented statements, and evidence was cross-examined.
“It was heartbreaking and horrific to hear how these five men had assaulted and then killed Kiren Lewis,” said a close family friend. Some family members were so overwhelmed by the graphic images of Kiren’s injuries that they were forced to step outside the courtroom.
“It’s been such a long few weeks, and we have attended every court appearance, listening in complete shock and horror,” the family friend added. The five accused of murder will remain in custody, with the bail application judgement scheduled for Monday morning, 17 March.
Although the family understands that no outcome can truly ease their pain, they made it clear that they are seeking justice.
“Saying that the no bail outcome will make us happy is wrong, but we want justice. We want to see these men held accountable for what they did to Kiren,” one relative said.
In previous interviews, Kiren Lewis’ family described him as their “Robin Hood.” They shared with the Ladysmith Herald that although Kiren’s past had been troubled, having served time in prison, he had been working hard to better his life. “He had served his time and was ready to move forward, but then this happened,” the family added.
