Cape Town - Despite Johannes Kana’s conviction for the rape and murder of 17-year-old Anene Booysen, his family are still proclaiming his innocence.
His uncle, also called Johannes Kana, told reporters on Wednesday that should he be guilty of the charges, he should apologise to Anene’s family.
But they didn’t believe he was.
Speaking outside the Swellendam Circuit Court on Wednesday, where Kana had been convicted the previous day, his uncle Johannes Kana said: “We feel that he was a victim - the court didn’t have any proof.”
Judge Patricia Goliath had found that evidence in Bredasdorp, specifically a glass and a cap, placed both Anene and Kana at the scene where the teenager was found, mortally injured, in the early hours of February 2.
On Thursday, which would have been Anene’s 18th birthday, prosecutor Maria Marshall asked for the maximum sentence - two life terms - for Kana.
This week, Kana’s counsel, Pieter du Toit, indicated Kana would give evidence in mitigation of sentence on Wednesday. However, Kana did not enter the witness stand on Wednesday.
Du Toit told the court Kana had passed matric and as a fireman was his family’s sole breadwinner. He had been a good rugby and cricket player, and was the father of a five-month-old baby.
Du Toit also said Kana’s friend, Chrisna Mentoor, mentioned he was “someone who protected women”.
Kana had co-operated with police during the investigation and he took partial blame for the crime when he confessed to the rape in February.
“It was a gruesome act and Anene was taken away from her family. But he is also a victim because his dreams and future will be taken away.”
Judge Goliath postponed the case until Friday for sentencing.
Outside the court Anene’s family said they were satisfied that someone would pay for her rape and murder.
Anene’s aunt, Elsabe Sheldon, said no mother would want their child to go through what Anene had.
“Anene paid with her life.
We do feel sorry for his family though.”
But Kana’s aunt, Colleen Kana, said:
“We are very unhappy, it is so unfair. Without evidence they can’t tie you to a crime yet he was found guilty.
“We feel hurt for Anene who died in that way, but her mother said she told her it was Zwai.”
Jonathan “Zwai” Davids was originally arrested along with Kana, but was released when no evidence was found linking him to Anene’s attack.
Cape Argus