[imagesource:dieson]

A Cape Town man who tragically set his girlfriend alight in 2017, causing her death, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Western Cape High Court.

This devastating case serves as a stark reminder of the horrifying violence too many women endure in South Africa and the world over.

On August 9, 2017, tragedy struck at a Burgundy Estate complex when 41-year-old Darren Kershaw set his 33-year-old girlfriend, Yeshnee Kuni, alight during a heated argument – the couple are pictured above.

The couple had been enjoying a braai and drinking when the dispute escalated, and Kershaw doused Yeshnee in ethanol before setting her on fire. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Yeshnee tragically succumbed to her injuries.

Image: IOL

Kershaw was convicted on charges of murder and arson and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder and three years for arson.

Image: IOL

The victim’s sister, Ushanta Gangen told Cape Argus some time ago that Kershaw had not shown any remorse.

“There was no emotion whatsoever from him. He looked as if ‘oh well, this is it’. It was shocking, but then again, you would only have emotions if you were innocent. We are so happy she got the justice she deserved but even with this, the pain will never go away.

“Everything is now confirmed. It is no more ‘this is what SAPS thinks happened on that day’, now we know what she went through and how much pain she must have experienced. This cuts deep. It’s a trauma we will have to learn to live with,” Gangen said.

Western Cape police spokesperson, Anelisiwe Manyana said police management expressed its gratitude towards the investigating officer as well as the prosecution team who all played a role in ensuring Kershaw received a lengthy sentence.

Gender-based violence against women and children stubbornly remains a rampant problem in this country.

[source:iol]