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A Dundee family’s life changed forever after 24-year-old Mercisha Tedpaul was reported missing on 1 March 2022.
The concerned family and Dundee community frantically searched for the mother of two, hoping for her safe return. However, their hopes were shattered when the Dundee Police recovered Mercisha’s body near the railway lines near Watt Road, Dundee.
KZN Police Spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele explained that the young woman had been strangled to death. The police official added that three suspects were arrested shortly afterwards. These suspects are Manoj Madhan, his wife Sarika, and their son Sanjoth.
Following their arrest, the trio made a brief appearance in the Dundee Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 7 March 2022.
With the wheels of justice now in motion, the trio reappeared in court on Tuesday, 22 March 2022, for their bail application.
The accused family’s court appearance was met by community members protesting outside the Dundee Magistrate’s Court, calling for their bail to be denied.
While all three are facing murder charges, they also face additional charges. Manoj Madhan faces an additional charge of defeating the ends of justice, while his son Sanjoth is also being charged for robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the ends of justice. Sarika Madhan is facing additional charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
During the court proceedings on Tuesday morning, the State Prosecutor, Mphalamiseni Mdlalose, claimed the State believed the trio should be denied bail, as the State believed the murder was premeditated.
What makes the case even more tragic is that the accused, Sarika, lived in the same house as Mercisha and Sarika’s other son, Nishkar, and the young couple’s children.
Despite their best efforts, the accused are set to remain behind bars, as the bail application was not concluded on Tuesday, 22 March 2022.
KZN Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Natasha Kara says, “The matter is back in court on 1 April 2022 for the continuation of the bail application.”
With the trio set to remain behind bars until then, a Facebook Page titled Justice for Mercisha Tedpaul has been started. On it, people can sign a petition demanding the mother of two receives the justice she deserves.
To sign the petition, click here.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Share your views in the comment section below.
Photo sourced from Justice for Mercisha Tedpaul Facebook page.
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