Birch murder accused remains behind bars amid calls for justice
Shireena Birch was killed on Tuesday, February 3.
Image: Supplied
The man accused of stabbing his wife, Shireena Birch, a community activist in Bonteheuwel, to death a week ago, is set on making an application for bail.
Redewaan Birch made an appearance at the Bishop Lavis Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where he is facing a charge of murder.
But the matter could not resume and proceed with Birch’s bail application because the investigating officer was not present due to illness.
Ward councillor Angus McKenzie, who attended the proceedings, confirmed that Birch would be back in the dock next week and called on the community to support the victim’s devastated family as they were one of many suffering due to GBV.
“Today, as promised, I attended the bail hearing of Redewaan Birch, who stands accused of the brutal murder of his wife, Shireena Birch,” he said.
“The bail application was postponed to February 18 due to the investigating officer being off sick. Redewaan Birch remains in custody.
“I can confirm that I will attend the next court appearance on 18 February and every subsequent appearance until justice is served.
“Shireena's family will not walk this journey alone. It is critically important that we continue to stand with Shireena’s family not only until the conclusion of this case, but also long thereafter.
“However, this court case is about more than one family’s pain. It must serve as a call to every woman who is suffering abuse in silence: speak up and speak up loudly. There are people who will stand with you. There are systems that will protect you. Your life matters.”
Birch was arrested last week after handing himself over to the police.
Police revealed Shireena had been stabbed by her attacker on February 3 at a premises in Assegaai Avenue in Bonteheuwel. Shireena was rushed to hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
The murder occurred just days before that of another woman, Louisa van Sensie, 49, in the same community, who was stabbed while trying to intervene and stop a knife attack launched at her husband.
Earlier, Sumaya Taliep, PR councillor who advocates for the rights of women and children, also called for justice: "We refuse to accept this as our 'normal.' We must break the silence, dismantle the cycle of abuse, and ensure that our homes are no longer crime scenes."
Siya Monakali of Ilitha Labantu condemned the murder.
"The killing of Shireena Birch is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader gender-based violence crisis that continues to claim the lives of women across South Africa."
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