Sentencing expected in Sadia Sukhraj murder case today
All eyes are on the Durban High Court again, where Sadia Sukhraj's father yesterday called for the maximum sentence for Sibonelo Mkhize.
He was found guilty this week of the 9-year-old Shallcross girl's murder and that of his co-accused, Siyabonga Bulose.
In court, Judge Esther Steyn asked Shailendra Sukhraj if his marriage had taken strain since the family lost Sadia.
Sukhraj responded saying it had not.
"Both of us have our days and shed tears together. We feel the pain together."
Sukhraj also said that, while they realise nothing will bring their daughter back, a harsh sentence will give them some sort of consolation for their loss.
Mkhize was convicted on two counts on murder and one of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
In her judgment, Steyn found that Mkhize was responsible for Sadia's death.
During his testimony, Sukhraj acknowledged that it could have been a bullet that he fired at the stolen car that claimed the life of his daughter.
Mkhize and Bulose took the Sukhraj's vehicle while the couple had been dropping off their then 6-month-old son at his grandparents house.
Litte Sadia was still in the vehicle when the two sped off with it.
The incident sparked a massive outcry from the greater Chatsworth and Shallcross communities.
Sadia was on her way to school in May last year when she was shot and killed in a botched hijacking.
FULL STATEMENT: Court hears from Sadia's grief-stricken mother
Sentencing proceedings began yesterday.In court, Judge Esther Steyn asked Shailendra Sukhraj if his marriage had taken strain since the family lost Sadia.
Sukhraj responded saying it had not.
"We rely on each other, it has certainly brought us closer together."
WATCH: Sadia Sukhraj's father testifies during sentencing
He continued to say they do experience emotional days since losing their daughter."Both of us have our days and shed tears together. We feel the pain together."
Sukhraj also said that, while they realise nothing will bring their daughter back, a harsh sentence will give them some sort of consolation for their loss.
Mkhize was convicted on two counts on murder and one of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
In her judgment, Steyn found that Mkhize was responsible for Sadia's death.
During his testimony, Sukhraj acknowledged that it could have been a bullet that he fired at the stolen car that claimed the life of his daughter.
Mkhize and Bulose took the Sukhraj's vehicle while the couple had been dropping off their then 6-month-old son at his grandparents house.
Litte Sadia was still in the vehicle when the two sped off with it.
The incident sparked a massive outcry from the greater Chatsworth and Shallcross communities.
Residents called on Police Minister Bheki Cele and President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene and address crime in the are.
2018 Year in Review: KZN mourns Sadia Sukhraj
