Monishka Govender|Published
Three years after their son's death, a Phoenix family said their search for justice has become an agonising battle with repeated court delays.
André Craig Ezra, 22, who was a student at the time, died on May 8, 2023, after he was allegedly stabbed by his girlfriend.
His father, Ashley Ezra, a plumbing representative from Sunford, said their lives had been shattered by the tragedy and the prolonged wait for the case to be finalised.
Ezra described his son as a loving, protective older brother and a young man with dreams of building a successful future.
“We miss everything about our son - his laughter, his presence and especially the way he lit up our home.”
He said as their firstborn, André held a special place in the family.
“He was very protective over his family members, most especially his sister, mother and all the females in our family,” he said.
André had hoped to establish his own business, become successful and eventually give his parents a break from working so hard.
“He was more than just a victim of a violent crime. He was a son, a friend and a young man with a bright future,” Ezra said.
A night that changed the family forever
Ezra said André was at home on May 5, 2023, with friends when his girlfriend contacted him and told him she was afraid to be alone at her home.
Ezra said when André asked him to take him to her home at about 11pm, he had refused.
He later discovered that his son had left on foot, wearing sandals and leaving behind his keys, which he described as unusual behaviour.
He said he called André who was on foot and asked him to wait on the road for him.
He subsequently fetched him and dropped him at a flat in Tweedfern, Phoenix.
Ezra said André remained at the flat until Sunday evening, when he became concerned that something had happened to his son and called him, only for the girlfriend to answer the phone.
“She answered saying, ‘Come, André is stabbed,’” he recalled.
“I just said, ‘what?’ and cut the call.”
Ezra rushed home to fetch his wife, Reshma, before heading to the flat. While they were on their way, another person called to tell him that André was bleeding badly.
When the couple arrived, two women directed them to a bedroom, where André was lying in a pool of blood.
His father said that when the family asked what had happened, the girlfriend allegedly claimed André had fallen off the bed onto a knife.
Ezra picked up his son, who was still barely conscious and in severe pain.
“Dad, it’s paining,” André told Ezra.
With the help of young people at the flat, Ezra carried his son to the car, where his wife held him as they rushed to Mount Edgecombe Hospital.
He was stabilised before being transferred to Pixley ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital because he was not on medical aid.
Ezra said they arrived at the second hospital at about 1am on Monday, May 8.
He recalled seeing his son again at about 4am, heavily medicated and awaiting transfer to a surgical ward.
The family then went to the Phoenix police station at approximately 4.20am to open a case of grievous bodily harm (GBH).
Ezra alleged that they were moved from one room to another and struggled to get their statement taken, eventually leaving the station at about 6.30am.
At about 9am, the family received a call from the hospital requesting permission to perform emergency surgery.
“We sat outside the theatre praying and crying,” Ezra said.
At approximately 11.45am, they received the devastating news that André had died because of the severity of his wound and blood loss.
Accused released on bail
Ezra said André’s girlfriend handed herself over to police, accompanied by her lawyer, on May 21, 2023, and was charged with murder.
According to Ezra, she was released on bail of R4,000.
The family has since attended numerous court appearances in pursuit of justice, but Ezra said the matter has been repeatedly postponed for various reasons.
He said the case was transferred to the regional court on December 4, 2024.
He said his family attended approximately 12 court appearances between May 2023 and October 2024, followed by another 11 appearances until April 2026.
They then attended a further five appearances between July and October 2026.
“The reasons for the delays were because the State and defence were not ready. Then there was no prosecutor but most recently the prosecutor was unable to use the stairs since the elevators were not working. They also said the bathroom facilities are not working.”
The family have been given further court dates in November 2026 and January 2027.
Ezra said the repeated postponements had left the family frustrated and uncertain about when the case would finally proceed.
‘Who will fight on my son’s behalf?’
Beyond the court proceedings, Ezra said the prolonged wait for justice had taken a severe emotional toll on him and his wife, Reshma.
“Our lives are broken. Waiting for justice has been agonising for me and my family,” he said.
He said the repeated delays had left them feeling forgotten by the justice system.
He said the family had even been told that they did not need to attend court, but they remained determined to be present for their son.
“They told us that we do not have to be at court. Then who will fight on my son’s behalf?”
He said the family understood that court proceedings could be complicated, but the lack of clear answers and repeated postponements had deepened their pain.
“We know we are not getting our son back, but give us justice. Knowing his death is honestly unpunished is unbearable,” he said.
Keeping André’s memory alive
Despite their anguish, Ezra said he and his wife continue to find ways to honour their son and preserve his memory.
“My wife posts a message about André every day on social media. Our house has over 300 pictures of him all around.
“Whoever met my son was touched by his one-of-a-kind love. We keep him alive by speaking his name, sharing stories and honouring his dreams. We will continue to fight for justice,” said Ezra.
The family plans to approach the investigating officer and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to seek answers about the case and the repeated delays.