Family of slain scientist to face her 'killer'

FAMILY to face their kid's alleged killer.

The family of slain scientist, Dorcas "Didi" Lekganyane will face the man accused of killing her.

This will likely happen when Cecile Kekana, Didi's husband, appears in the Alexandra Magistrates Court on Friday, 20 September.

Kekana stands accused of stabbing his wife to death in their Joburg home on 11 July.

Family spokesman, Robert Lekganyane revealed how Didi's death has taken a toll on the family.

According to Robert, Dorcas's mum's health has been fluctuating, with her going in and out of hospital, while her three-year-old girl is forced to bear the pain of growing up without a mum.

ALSO READ | 'Horny' lover's rage at tavern!Opens in new window

"It's been hard. Didi's mum is a teacher and is expected to retire next year, but she's been psychosocially impacted negatively since the tragic incident, to an extent that she's been hospitalised many times and has even thought of taking early retirement to heal and cope.

"While Didi's kid was exposed to the crime, our worry is how she'll grow up with that trauma," said Robert.

Didi, originally from Limpopo, Ga-Mothapo Phomolong, was a celebrated South African scientist with a master's degree in environmental science, specialising in botany and plant biotechnology.

Before her unfortunate death, she was recognised as one of the Mail & Guardian's 2024 200 Young South Africans.