The Durban high court convicted two men for the murder of Rakesh Shane Ganesh
Image: Supplied
The daughters of Rakesh Shane Ganesh will confront their father's murderers in court on Monday when sentencing proceedings begin for the men convicted of his killing.
Ganesh, 53, was reported missing on November 17, 2024, and his decomposing body was found five days later at his rented home in Ridge Road, Umhlanga.
His bronze-colored Mercedes-Benz E-Class was also not found at the time.
Ganesh's former wife, Vashika Ganesh, said they were pleased that the perpetrators were caught and convicted, but added that it did not change anything.
"Everyone's still so distraught. We hope that they get the maximum sentence for cruelly taking him away in such a senseless murder. We know nothing will bring him back. But it's heartbreaking to know that these killers will go on to live their lives once out again.
"My daughters miss their dad all the time. It has been traumatic on everyone. Although we were divorced for a long time, we still had a good relationship and went on holiday together with our daughters. He really loved his girls," said Vashika.
This painful memory, combined with the impending court proceedings, has compelled the family to face their fears and be present at the sentencing.
"It is going to be very painful, but we have to do it," said Vashika.
The Durban High Court on Friday convicted Sihle Zondi, 25, and Hloniphani Mzila, 29, for Ganesh's murder.
The men from the Efaya area in Dalton killed Ganesh and stuffed his body after he demanded that one of them pay R750 in rent.
In November 2024, Ganesh was accosted, bound, and beaten in his room by Zondi and Mzila. The men then strangled Ganesh to death using a rope belt.
Following the murder, Zondi and Mzila stole Ganesh’s Mercedes-Benz, cellphone, and laptop before fleeing the scene. They were later apprehended in Pietermaritzburg.
Ganesh was residing rent-free at a Ridge Road property owned by his cousin, Mandy Kunigan. Zuzeka Mbanjwa, who shares a child with Mzila, also lived on the property, occupying a separate granny cottage.
Mbanjwa had previously lived in the main house but moved to the cottage when Ganesh moved in. Both Mbanjwa and Ganesh were allowed to live on the property without paying rent, provided they maintained the premises.
Mzila moved into the cottage on the property with Mbanjwa to be closer to his job. Upon discovering that Mbanjwa was now residing with Mzila, Ganesh called a meeting and insisted that the couple pay R750 in rent.
During the trial, however, Mbanjwa stated that she was not happy to pay rent, noting that she had not been charged any rent while living in the main house.
Mzila, angered by Ganesh’s request, enlisted Zondi’s help to commit the murder.
During the trial, State prosecutor Advocate Denardo Macdonald called a mechanic, Msawenkosi Lembethe, to testify.
Lembethe testified that Zondi and Mzila brought him a Mercedes-Benz because it was overheating; Zondi was driving, and Mzila was in the passenger seat. Two days later, the duo returned because the car had a gearbox issue.
Additionally, Mbanjwa testified that Mzila and Zondi had been in her cottage on the day of the murder, but were gone when she woke the following morning.
In his ruling, Judge Mahendra Chetty noted that the State's case relied on circumstantial evidence.
“Looking at the evidence in totality, it is clear that the accused killed the deceased,” the judge said.
Additionally, he noted that Mzila testified he was home gathering herbs with his uncle and grandfather, while Zondi said he was home injecting his sister's goat, however, neither of them called these witnesses.
Chetty said the duo's testimony was fabricated and pointed out that Mzila and Zondi were unable to provide coherent answers during cross-examination while on the stand.
“Zondi was evasive in his answer and steered clear of any questions that linked him with the property on Ridge Road. The only conclusion the court can draw from the evidence is that they killed the deceased, stole his items, and drove his car to Dalton.”
Sentencing proceedings are due to begin tomorrow.