The family of slain Bonteheuwel mom Lauren Dryden say they are devastated after the charges against her alleged killer were withdrawn.
Fernando Isaacs was arrested for her murder on 20 November 2020.
Lauren was on her way from work in Epping and while waiting for transport, she was robbed of her cellphone and shot.
Isaacs, also from Bonteheuwel, abandoned his bail application in December and remained in jail, but was released on Monday.
The mother of two was engaged to Ashley Ruiters, who says he feels sick with disappointment: “I'm not in any mood to talk because I'm very disappointed. How could they set a murderer free, OMG.”
Lauren’s sister Lesre Kannemeyer, 40, says there was enough evidence for a conviction.
“Our family is disappointed by the outcome of the case. We didn’t even know that gangster or devil was appearing on Monday because last week we went to court and we were told that he would appear on 29 March and then we heard that he was set free due to the lack of evidence.
“I don’t understand. There wasn’t even a trial, there were witnesses who still had to go to court, there were cameras there.”
The National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed that Isaacs is a free man.
Regional spokesman Eric Ntabazalila says: “Please note that charges against Fernando Isaacs have been provisionally withdrawn and the docket has been returned to the investigating officer for further investigation.”
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za