Shireena Birch’s family speaks out: ‘We are broken’ after her tragic murder

Emotions ran high on Wednesday as the family of Shireena Birch opened up about their grief and anger following her alleged murder by her husband, Riedewaan Birch. In an exclusive interview with the Cape Argus sister publication, Daily Voice, they expressed their devastation after Riedewaan’s brief appearance at the Bishop Lavis Magistrates Court, where he faces murder charges for allegedly stabbing Shireena to death at their home on February 3. The court was expected to deal with his formal bail application, but due to the investigating officer being sick, the case was postponed to February 18.

The accused faces charges of murder after he allegedly stabbed his wife to death at their home in Assegaai Avenue, Bonteheuwel, on February 3. Shireena’s sister said: “We are broken as a family. She didn’t deserve to be taken like that.

We accept her death as death is inevitable to anyone, but not in the way that she was taken. “Even if his bail is denied and sentenced, it will be little comfort for us.” She explained that when the incident occurred, she was at home and that one of the neighbours around the corner from Shireena notified her about what happened. She immediately rushed to fetch her mother and went to the scene.