Cape Town - For the Moore family, the tragedy of losing their daughter Lekita, 19, allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, has been so great, they forgot the birthday of their eldest daughter.
Lekita Moore’s mutilated body was found in field in Nooitgedacht on September 11. She had been stabbed several times in her throat and stomach. One of her nipples and part of her crotch had been cut away.
The scene shocked her father, Charl Moore, who was called to identify her.
When the Cape Argus visited the family’s Valhalla Park home on Tuesday, the father thanked their family and the community for the support they had received.
“On Sunday we had a memorial service for Lekita and I was so proud to see the community coming together. I am still heartsore but Sunday was a great revelation for me. It was nice and beautiful.”
He said when the accused appeared in court, his father threatened to kill Moore and other community members. The statement made by the accused’s father filled the family and community with rage, he said.
“He does not deserve bail. They must lock him up and throw the keys away. That boy showed no remorse, he was even laughing in court.”
On Tuesday, Moore said he planned to paint his house light blue - Lekita’s favourite colour.
His wife, Shireen, 49, wished for the death penalty to be brought back. “They must just hang him. All I want is for justice to be served.”
Shireen, who has two remaining daughters, said they forgot to celebrate the 24th birthday of their eldest daughter, Maurecia, because they were still mourning Lekita.
“Lekita was very quiet and happy. She always had a smile on her face, she was respectful, loving and never backchatted anyone. She and her sister Mercia always used to wash together and I really miss her.”
Zelma Bennett, 51, was told by her granddaughter Lekita’s body was on the field. She had rushed to the scene and remembers collapsing after seeing the body.
“Lekita was like a daughter to me, I really loved her like my own. She was a happy child and I miss her.”
Lekita will be buried on Saturday at Sharon Assemblies of God in Valhalla Park. Her body will arrive at the Moores Valhalla Park home at 9am, before moving on with the funeral.
Cape Argus