The family of Yeshnee Kuni, who was set on fire and died, say that while they are happy with the outcome of her murder case, they will never have closure.

Her boyfriend Darren Kershaw was convicted in September and on Wednesday the Western Cape High Court sentenced him to life. eatas well as three years for arson.

The sentences will run concurrently.

A life sentence means he will remain in prison for the rest of his natural life, unless the president or a court grants him parole.

Kershaw set Yeshnee on fire at her Burgundy estate during an argument on Woman’s Day 2017.

Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said Western Cape police management expressed their gratitude to the investigating officer and the prosecution team and gave accounts of the gruesome crime.

Manyana explains: “Introductory information reveals that on August 9, 2017, the victim was with her boyfriend at their residence in Burgundy Estate, drinking and drinking when an argument took place between the two.

“The boyfriend then threw ethanol on the victim and set it on fire. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries.

“The investigating officer gathered all the information at his disposal to apprehend the culprit. His hard work paid off when he arrested a 41-year-old man accused of murder and arson.

“On September 17, the accused was found guilty of the said charges and on November 14 he was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and three years for arson.

“Gender-based violence against women and children remains a priority for the Western Cape Police, who will go the extra mile to bring perpetrators to book.”

Kuni’s sister Ushanta Gangen said: “Yes, justice has prevailed, for that we are very grateful, but he deserves more than life (behind bars).

“She deserves to suffer terribly every day of her life, as we suffer this trauma without her.

“We’re grateful he was given a life sentence, but even that doesn’t give closure as such.

“It provides comfort, yes. You can get closure for a death that occurred due to an accident or medical condition.

“But someone’s life was stolen, a crime, how can you end this?

“It’s a trauma that we have to live with for the rest of our lives.

“It’s heartbreaking because Yeshnee really suffered a gruesome death at the hands of Darren Leslie Kershaw.

“No one deserves this. She was such a beautiful soul, such a loving and bubbly person.”

(email protected)