Riders and bikers from across Gauteng converged on Heidelberg on April 25 in a show of solidarity, calling for justice for 18-year-old Dylan Bothma, who died after being found critically injured on a roadside on June 24, 2023.

The gathering began with an opening prayer led by Pastor Hennie de Jager from a motorcycle ministry, setting a solemn tone for the day as community members united in support of the grieving family.

Dylan’s family alleges that he was assaulted at a 16th birthday party before being discovered on the roadside. Despite the seriousness of the case, no arrests have been made, and the family says their search for answers continues nearly three years later. Dylan’s mother, Elsie Bothma, expressed frustration and heartbreak over the lack of progress in the investigation.

“The last time we heard from the police was in September last year, and since then, there has been no feedback or progress communicated to us. As a family, we are left in the dark, not knowing what really happened to our son,” she said.

“Dylan was a kind-hearted and friendly young man who was loved by everyone who knew him. He was not involved in any trouble or drugs. We believe he was forced to drink and then assaulted, and to this day, no one has been held accountable. It is painful to live every day without answers, but we are grateful for the support we continue to receive from the community,” she added.

Dylan’s grandfather, Russel Bothma, said the family feels the justice system has failed them and that time is passing without accountability.

“It has been over two and a half years, and we are still asking the same questions with no clear answers. We want to know exactly what happened to Dylan and how he lost his life. We cannot accept that a young life can be taken in this way and nothing is done about it.

“We need justice, not just for Dylan, but for our entire family. The delay in this case is deeply concerning, and we urge authorities to prioritise this investigation,” he said.

Several community members, who attended the rally, also voiced their concerns, saying the case has shaken their trust in the justice system. Karyn Swarts said the lack of progress is deeply troubling.

“As a community, we are standing here because we feel that this case has not been given the attention it deserves. It has been years, and still there are no answers. It makes us worry about our own safety and whether justice will be served if something like this happens to our loved ones.

“We are here to support the family and to send a strong message that we will not forget Dylan,” she said.

Maria Bootes said the turnout reflects the community’s demand for accountability.

“Seeing so many people here today shows that the community cares and wants justice. This is not just about one family; it is about all of us.

“We need to know that our children are safe and that when something goes wrong, the system will respond. We are calling on the authorities to act and to give this family the answers they deserve,” she said.

During the gathering, community members paid their respects at the spot where Dylan was found. Candles were lit in his memory by his uncle, Brandon Bothma, as supporters reflected on the tragedy and called for accountability.

A petition demanding progress in the case was also signed and later handed over to Warrant Officer David Spangenberg of Heidelberg SAPS.