The mother of a British woman murdered in South Africa has drawn comparisons to the Oscar Pistorius case, claiming her daughter was failed by a justice system that favours the wealthy and powerful. Lauren Sleep, 25, was killed in 2006 in Pretoria, the same city where Paralympian Pistorius shot dead Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.
Lauren's mother, Marilyn Sleep, told the Sunday People that both women were intelligent, beautiful, and cherished by loved ones. She said: 'Every time I see a picture of Reeva I am reminded of my Lauren. Both girls were always smiling and had a sparkle in their eye. The similarities in our daughters’ deaths are startling and highlight a disturbing acceptance of violence against women in South Africa.'
Lauren was allegedly strangled with a dish cloth by her boyfriend, Chad Khan, after an argument at his parents' cottage in Hercules, west of Pretoria. Khan also allegedly stabbed her friend Liesel Schoonwinkel, who survived. Khan has been at large for eight years, and Marilyn believes his family's influence prevented his arrest.
Marilyn criticised the South African judicial system, saying: 'Pistorius received a slap on the wrist and I believe Khan’s status and family prevented his arrest. In a number of high-profile killings, the ineptness of the police has been challenged through expensive defence strategies.'
Lauren, born in Gloucester, moved to South Africa as a baby but returned to the UK at 19, living with her aunt in Cheshire. She moved back to South Africa in 2002 to work as a hostess for Rovos Rail, where she met Khan. Her mother described her as 'a little dynamite' with 'a heart of gold'.
