“I will never forget the day my daughter died, all I want is justice.”
This is the heartfelt plea from the father of slain Heinz Park teen Janika Mello, as her family have finally been informed of the trial date at the Western Cape High Court.
After putting up with delays for over two years, dad Marlon Koopman, 42, says they are relieved that they will start getting closure.
Janika, who was a Grade 6 pupil at Northwood Primary School in Woodlands, went to a karaoke event at Portlands High to support a local soccer club on August 31, 2019.
The teen was later dropped by a taxi close to her home.
Her half-naked body was found in her backyard the following morning.
Used condoms were found around her and the left side of her face had been smashed in with a concrete block.
Cops later arrested Leeroy Rose and Allester Abrams as they were the last two people seen with Janika, and Abrams was allegedly seen by witnesses assaulting the girl.
Rose has been charged with the rape and murder of Janika, while Abrams is only charged with her assault and released on bail. Rose has remained in custody.
The duo returned to court this past Friday, where Judge Nathan Erasmus told them they will go on trial on February 2, 2024.
Marlon, who is a pastor, says the delays at court have left the family in limbo. “We just cannot get closure. Every time we try to heal and move on, there is another delay and these wounds are reopened,” he told the Daily Voice.
“I will never forget the day my daughter died. I was standing in church that Sunday and just got off the pulpit after giving a sermon when I got the call.
“The one minute I was on the pulpit and the next I was standing over my child’s dead body,” the still traumatised Marlon added.
The pa says Janika had a bright future that was cruelly cut short.
“She was always bubbly and friendly and enjoyed helping others,” he added. “Along with her younger sister, they would come with me to the homes of sick and elderly people to cheer them up.
“Janika always wanted to be a doctor to help people and they took away her young life. I want justice for Janika.”
dailyvoice@inl.co.za