WHEN news broke early on Friday that a police constable based at the Cato Manor police station, who was arrested, and possibly linked to September's hijacking incident in Malvern, which left 11-year-old Zarah Ramsamy dead, her family’s spirits lifted.
Barnes Ramsamy (Zarah’s father) said: “We got excited. It had the same impact on us, like many people in South Africa.”
The 27-year-old suspect was arrested at his Seaview home and was allegedly found in possession of a bank card belonging to the child’s mother, Shaida.
The card was believed to have been taken during the hijacking of the family’s Toyota Fortuner.
He is due to appear at the Durban Magistrate’s court tomorrow and the charges he is expected to face will include theft, being in possession of stolen goods and fraud.
“Police have been working hard and have put much effort into this matter,” said Barnes.
Since Zarah’s death, life has become worse for him and the family, he said.
“I thought the funeral would be a bad day. I was wrong. When news of the arrest emerged, that has been the worst day.
“My wife is not doing well. Today (Friday) when we went to the police, after they found the bank cards, it was a very emotional day for her.
“She cried at the station, on the way back she cried, and at home. She’s worse now than before.”
Barnes said he had taken a drive to clear his mind when the Sunday Tribune had contacted him.
“I don’t know what to do. I thought things will get better with time.”
He said the only thing that will give his wife a measure of relief was when the perpetrators were caught.
“It’s a horrible feeling to lose a child, she was the most active of our three children and made a lasting impression on everything.
“There was nothing she didn't leave her prints on literally and metaphorically.”
The father said his sons (ages 15 and 17) have also taken their sister’s loss badly.
“They say time heals, but it has been a long hard road with no healing thus far, we are holding onto God,” he said.