A KwaZulu-Natal woman says she only grasped the severity of South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis when it struck her own family. Lisa Beresford-Mnyandu is the niece of Taryn le Roux, who was shot and killed at a pub in Westville in September following what investigators describe as an argument.
Le Roux’s 63-year-old husband, who has been charged in connection with the murder, is expected to appear in the Pinetown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for a bail application.
Speaking ahead of the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, Beresford-Mnyandu said the tragedy has given her a much deeper understanding of the national crisis.
The family has started a petition urging the court to deny the accused bail.
“I don’t believe he is remorseful,” she said. “At one court appearance, he was smiling and waving at a friend and that didn’t sit well with the family.”
Beresford-Mnyandu added that relatives have also stepped in to help support Le Roux’s son with his schooling and daily needs.
“It’s difficult to speak on his behalf. He’s battling, he’s sad but for now he’s trying to push through, finish his exams, and then breathe,” she said.