Durban - Sharon Jeenabhai, the mother of 10-year-old Natasha Sukdeo, who was murdered 19 years ago, feels the justice system has failed her.
This after it emerged that the man convicted of Natasha’s murder, Dhevapragasen (Dean) Munsamy, would soon be free after being granted parole earlier this month. His parole comes into effect on August 8 until December 5, 2024.
In 1995, Munsamy was convicted for the rape, murder, kidnapping and indecent assault of Natasha in Chatsworth that year. Her body was found in a cut-out mattress in a cellar, three days after she went missing. Munsamy was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment.
A letter from Correctional Services was sent to Jeenabhai on July 10 informing her that Munsamy had been granted parole the day before.
In July last year, the parole board granted Munsamy day parole, despite pleas from Natasha’s family that he serve his full sentence.
Speaking to The Mercury on Tuesday, Jeenabhai said she was “upset” at the decision.
“As far as I’m concerned, he is not rehabilitated; there’s no remorse. He is still a danger.”
Jeenabhai said the family had not been consulted when Correctional Services was considering the parole application. She said she felt “helpless” and her family was in a state of “emotional upheaval. There are lot of other children out there. Are they going to be safe?” she asked. She was also concerned about the safety of her other children.
The letter sent to Jeenabhai, dated July 10, stated that the parole application hearing was held the previous day at Ncome Correctional Centre. The letter stipulated that, “he (Munsamy) must be subjected to an electronic monitoring device to be tagged on to him for one year and an ordinary parole thereafter until January 5, 2024”.
Director of Childline KZN, Vanespiri Pillay, said the organisation “encouraged rehabilitation of the offender and integration into society after intensive therapeutic sessions which will result in change of behaviour. However, heinous crimes against children are inexcusable”.
Some of Munsamy’s parole conditions are that he be placed in house detention, perform community service and “takes up and remains in employment”. He should also “refrain” from using or abusing alcohol and drugs and from committing a criminal offence.
The Mercury