Tributes Pour In for Carmen Nans Lee Mother of Murdered Siam Lee

The Eastern Cape is sad because Carmen Nans Lee, the mother of murdered sex worker Siam Lee, died on Wednesday. Her death caused many tributes from friends, activists, and the public, who remember her as kind and strong.

A Mother’s Grief and Advocacy:

Carmen Lee’s life had deep sadness and a strong wish for fairness. Her daughter, Siam Lee, was taken and killed in January 2018. The case got attention across the country and showed problems with safety for sex workers and how the law works. After Siam died, Carmen spoke out for her daughter and others in the same situation. Groups like Kwanele, made up of people who had been in prostitution, stood with her and protested outside courts.

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Emotional Tributes from Friends and Supporters:

Sue Foster, a good friend of Carmen, said she was sad and said, “I lost a dear friend today. I called her ‘Carminkie’. We had a strong bond, and my heart is and will always be with you, Carminkie. You are with Siam now, like you always wanted. Until we meet again, Carminkie, always and forever, your Suzie Q, like you always called me.” Private investigator Brad Nathanson also showed respect and shared kind words with Lee’s family and friends, saying, “Maybe you will see each other now. Our kind thoughts go to the living, to the friends and family still here.

Public Reaction and Social Media Tributes:

People have responded with care and memory. On social media, many shared kind words and thoughts about Carmen and Siam Lee. Marion Eglin said, “Oh no, I never forgot this case. It was so sad. A very beautiful young lady was taken in a terrible way. Rest in peace.” Tracy-Ann Klokie said, “This story will stay with me forever. It touched my mother’s heart deeply.” Rashmi Rambiritch-Gagiano said, “I often think of Siam. Both had hard lives, with troubles I can’t imagine. I hope they are together and at peace now.”

The Tragic Case of Siam Lee:

Siam Lee was kidnapped and killed in 2018, which shocked the country. She was taken from outside her work in Durban North, and her burned body was found in a quiet place in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands about a week later. The man accused, Cebolenkosi Gift Philani Ntuli, was charged with many crimes, including murder and kidnapping. But in July 2019, the case was dropped because Ntuli had died from cancer.

Remembering Carmen Lee:

Carmen Lee’s death is the end of a part of a story with sadness, speaking out, and trying to get fairness. She cared deeply for her daughter and worked hard to help sex workers stay safe and have rights. Her actions made a strong impact on people who knew her and the larger group. As more people honor her, Carmen is still remembered as a mother, a helper, and a strong person.