Yeshika Singh is standing by her man, self-confessed murderer Donovan Moodley.
And she has revealed that his behaviour gave nothing away during the time he would have been kidnapping and then murdering Leigh Matthews.
Speaking exclusively to 702 Talk Radio, Singh told reporter Iman Rappetti that she had been devastated and shocked when the man who was meant to become her husband pleaded guilty.
On Monday Donovan Moodley admitted to kidnapping, extortion and murder.
"Friendship and love cannot be dissolved overnight. And I will continue to be there for Donovan. I believe that he has shown remorse and that he is truly sorry," Singh said.
She had requested the interview questions in advance and had prepared a statement.
She sat close to her two sisters during the interview.
She had slight bags under her eyes and looked mentally and physically drained.
"It's been a long, difficult and trying time for me, but I thank God for his strength. I am devastated and shocked by Donovan's plea. It's really difficult to understand."
"This goes against what I know him to be. I have known Donovan and his family for 15 years; we have been dating for eight," Singh said.
Throughout Moodley's plea, and the subsequent testimony of witnesses for the state, Singh remained stony-faced while those around her gasped in shock as the grim details of Leigh's kidnapping and murder unfolded.
One woman, a friend of Moodley's father Stephen, bowed her head and tears flowed down her cheeks.
But Singh remained unmoved.
During adjournments, she would reach across the media bench and grasp Moodley's hand as he was led to the cells below.
Once, he handed her a blue journal and she hugged it to her chest, smiling.
On another occasion, she walked up to him in the dock during an adjournment and kissed him.
When asked if her engagement to Moodley was over, Singh said: "I haven't thought about that as yet."
Her voice trailed off as she said it.
In any event, if she is to get her engagement ring back, his family will have to come up with R50 000.
On Thursday a final confiscation order was served on Moodley by the asset forfeiture unit for the ransom he took from Rob Matthews.
If his family can pay the amount within two weeks, Moodley's Ducati motorcycle and Toyota Tazz, and the engagement ring, may be returned to him.
Singh called Moodley "extremely compassionate".
"It's really difficult to comprehend this whole situation, because he's always been so full of fun and sociable, and taking care of people," Singh said.
But she said it had been difficult to listen to the testimony.
"It was unbelievable, the evidence. I was shocked and also sorrowful at what was said in court."
She said she had not noticed any change in Moodley's behaviour at the time Leigh's death might have occurred.
"I am very close to Donovan but he hasn't shown any sign that something happened or something was wrong or anything," Singh said.
She said she did not condone in any way what happened to Leigh or her family.
"I may not know their pain and I understand what they are going through is so traumatic and I pray that God will give them the strength," Singh said.
As for her presence in court, she said, she had the right to be there to hear the truth. She slated the media and public, saying they had sensationalised her apparent lack of emotion during court appearances and calling reporting "biased".
"I don't appreciate the unfair accusations and opinions against me and my family. They have been a pillar of strength to me and will continue to be so. I thank them for their support and love," Singh said.
Her elder sister Marishka defended her to 702 Talk Radio.
"If she doesn't have an expression on her face, it doesn't mean that she's not dealing with it inside. When she feels it's safe and secure, she'll reveal what she's feeling," the sister said. - Staff Reporter