The suspect in the fatal alleged drunk driving incident that claimed the life of CPS Security officer Ryno van Vuuren failed to appear in court again on his final scheduled date, July 25.

This second no-show has deepened the grief and frustration of Van Vuuren’s family and sparked growing concerns about delays in the justice process.

Sergeant Phezisa Roto, the investigating officer from Alberton SAPS, confirmed that she visited the suspect’s provided address but could not locate him. She believes he has fled the country and returned to his homeland.

“I will ensure that a warrant of arrest is issued. We will coordinate with Interpol to pursue the suspect in his home country and bring him back to face justice here,” said Roto, promising that all necessary steps are being taken to locate and extradite the accused.

Family disappointed by bail decision and poor communication

The Van Vuuren family expressed their dismay, saying they felt sidelined and unsupported throughout the legal process. They said they were denied the opportunity to oppose bail and now fear that justice will be delayed or even denied.

“What hurts us most is that law enforcement knew very well the suspect was a foreign national, was intoxicated, and attempted to flee the scene of the incident, yet bail was still granted,” said the family in a statement.

Adding to their frustration is what they describe as poor communication from the investigating officer.

“We’ve been left in the dark. There was little to no communication from the IO about bail proceedings or court dates. We had to chase for updates ourselves,” they said.

Background: a fatal crash and charges

The suspect, a Zimbabwean national, is accused of causing the fatal crash that killed Van Vuuren on May 3.

The incident occurred in Alberton North when the suspect allegedly ran a red light and collided with Van Vuuren’s marked CPS patrol vehicle.

A Fidelity ADT vehicle was also involved in the collision. Its driver sustained injuries but has since been discharged from hospital.

According to Tyrone van der Merwe, director of CPS Security, the suspect and his passenger, both appearing intoxicated, fled the scene on foot. Alberton SAPS later apprehended the suspect with assistance from security services.

He faces multiple charges, including culpable homicide, driving under the influence, and defeating the ends of justice.

ALSO READ: CPS Security officer dies in Alberton North crash

Legal implications of missing court appearances

Sergeant Roto explained that courts typically allow one final opportunity for suspects who miss scheduled appearances. A second failure results in the revocation of bail and the issuing of an arrest warrant.

Legal experts warn that this breach of bail conditions could also lead to forfeiture of bail money and detention until trial.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) emphasised that bail is a conditional release and not a ruling on guilt or innocence. Any violation of bail terms carries serious legal consequences.

ALSO READ: Suspect in Alberton North fatal crash fails to appear in court

Community calls for reform

The death of Ryno van Vuuren has reignited public calls for harsher penalties for drunk driving, stricter bail conditions for foreign nationals charged with serious offences, and a more victim-centred justice system.

Ryno’s mother, Joyce, said she hopes her son’s death will drive change.

“We want justice not only for Ryno, but for every family pushed aside by bureaucracy. We want our voices to be heard,” she said.

Ryno was laid to rest on May 16. His family, friends, and the wider Alberton community continue to mourn his loss, made more painful by the ongoing delays in the justice process.

This remains a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

ALSO READ: Alberton mourns security officer killed by suspected drunk driver