The family of 20-year-old Jessica Rabe has laid her to rest after she was allegedly killed alongside her boyfriend, Yudistan Pillay.
Rabe was remembered by her family as a beloved daughter, granddaughter, niece and friend.
“Jessica was a kind-hearted young woman who was deeply loved by her mother, aunt, granny, family and friends,” the family said in an earlier appeal.
“She did not deserve what happened to her.”
The family had initially appealed for donations towards Rabe’s funeral. However, family friend Jaun Storm has confirmed to IOL that the funeral has taken place.
“Jessica’s funeral has already taken place. We are no longer seeking donations. We kindly ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult period,” Storm said.
The family said her death had left them devastated.
“No mother should ever have to face the loss of her child,” they said.
Couple found partially buried
Police began searching for the couple after receiving information about their disappearance.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said Dawn Park police followed up information on August 29 about two people who had been reported missing in late July.
The information led officers to the Van Dyk area, where K9 Search and Rescue officers, forensic crime scene investigators and local police searched a property.
“The two bodies were found partially buried in the yard,” Nevhuhulwi said.
The bodies were taken to a government mortuary for formal identification and further investigation into the cause of death and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Three suspects, two men and one woman, aged between 22 and 26, were arrested on August 30 in connection with the murders.
Two accused in court
Two of the accused, Haroon Rashid Adam, 27, and Wessel Hendrick Swart, 27, appeared in court on September 1.
They are accused of killing the Boksburg couple and concealing their bodies in a shallow grave.
They face charges including premeditated murder, kidnapping, assault and defeating the ends of justice.
Magaboke Mohlatlole, communications officer for the National Prosecuting Authority in Johannesburg, confirmed that the State opposed bail.
The matter was subsequently postponed to September 9 for a bail application.
