WATCH: Mazibuko family’s house case in the hands of court
The community never comes forward to testify because they fear for their lives.
Katlehong North SAPS completed the investigation into the alleged malicious damage to property of the Mazibuko family home in Mofukeng Section, Katlehong.
According to Col Johan Botha of Katlehong North SAPS, both suspects, who were seen breaking windows and doors by an eyewitness during the destruction, have been issued warnings to inform them they are being investigated for malicious damage to property.
He explained the police also took their statements, which proved they were at the scene.
“We are waiting for the prosecutor to decide whether the case will go for prosecution,” said Botha.
Although the owner of the house, Masilo Mazibuko (58), initially wanted the people responsible for burning his house to face the law, Botha had previously explained the witness only saw the malicious damage to property but not the arson.
He said although they know the two suspects who threatened to burn the house might be part of the group that committed the arson, there is no proof.
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Background story
In August 2020, the body of an eight-year-old girl was found in an area behind Mazibuko’s house.
The community pinned the crime on Mazibuko and they mobilised outside his house, threatening to burn down his house.
However, during investigations, police conducted a DNA test proved he was not linked to the crime.
Mazibuko believes he was framed. He said it started in October 2019 when two boys, who called themselves ‘inkabi’, assaulted him with a metal rod.
He said the boys are the brothers of the girl who was murdered and believes their mother, who was flirting with him but failed to get his attention, sent them.
“I opened a case against the boys, who were released on bail. The case went on for a year. By that time, the magistrate thought the boys would have realised they had wronged me and would apologise, but they refused.
“The magistrate said if that is the case, they will each be convicted for five years. Their lawyer told me when he questioned the pair about why they assaulted me, and they said I provoked their mother,” said Mazibuko.
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He said their lawyer approached him again, citing his clients wanted to settle outside of court.
“I agreed and demanded R20 000 to drop the case. They agreed to pay the money. Another year passed, receiving no payment from them,” said Mazibuko.
“The magistrate advised me to reopen the case should they not pay me. This is when the little girl was found and my house burnt down. I believe they influenced the community. I was the scapegoat.”
