‘We are angry that his life was taken’ - family of Juninho Myburgh
Support has been flooding in to support the family of Juninho Myburgh, 20, who was allegedly murdered in December last year after attending a staff party.
On Monday January 13, four men appeared for bail application at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on charges of kidnapping, robbery, aggravated assault and murder after an extensive investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of the young man when his body was found on Sunday December 8.
Initial investigations into the case revealed that Juninho attended the staff party of Sigma Connect, where he worked, and left to attend an after party in Zeekoevlei with a friend. It is not clear at which point Juninho was taken, robbed and shot four times but his body was found the morning after the staff party.
Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Juninho’s body was discovered at about 6.15am in 14th Avenue, Rondevlei.
“The victim was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack is believed to be gang-related.”
At court protesters showed up with placards and chanted “No bail for murderers” and “Juninho’s life mattered” before the four men appeared for their hearing.
The family and supporters signed a petition for the court to deny their bail but at the hearing only one of the four accused applied for bail. The men will appear in court again on Friday February 7.
The heartbroken family was relieved that three of the men, who are allegedly gang members, didn’t apply for bail and said they will continue to rally for the court to deny the fourth accused.
The family only learnt of Juninho’s death on the morning of Sunday December 8 when a friend notified them. The friend identified him after pictures of his body were posted on social media.
A family representative, who did not want to be named, said they want justice for the senseless killing.
“We had no idea but his friends saw the posts and told us, so we then called the police and had to identify him. Seeing him in that picture laying there in the trash was painful and something we as a family will never be able to get over. His murder was senseless and cruel”.
Described by his family as loving and respectful, Juninho had goals and ambitions, wanted to study, planned on buying a car and was planning to propose to his girlfriend this month.
Another family member said they are angry that his life was taken.
“He was a good kid and he wasn’t involved with gangsterism at all . he was respectful and goal orientated but it was ripped from him in such a senseless way.”