Murder victim’s family loses hope after trial is postponed again
Speaking to this journalist outside court, the disgruntled family said they were considering to call the officer to stop his investigation because they could not see any progress in the matter.
MBOMBELA – Tears, disap-pointment and waiting in long queues are some of the frustrations usually experienced by the families of victims who attend hearings at the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court.
Last Thursday drama unfolded in the Regional Court when the victim’s family lost their temper after being told that the trial against three men who had allegedly murdered their brother three years ago, had been postponed yet again.
“We are so sad, we lost a family member and now we are even losing hope that justice will be served to the murderers of our brother. The matter has continually been postponed since 2013 and the suspects have been enjoying their freedom ever since. If the trial is not continuing today, the court must just erase the matter and let the suspects free, as they have been free anyway since the murder of our brother. Next time we are not coming to court,” said a family representative before leaving the courtroom with the rest of his family.
The residing magistrate responded angrily by saying: “Shut up, don’t you understand that the legal representative is not well. The matter is postponed to June 9, your bail (referring to the suspects) is extended to that day.”
Witnesses in the matter also said they were tired of being called to attend court just to have to return home without being given a chance to give their testimony. “I came from far and had to abscond work today in the hope that the matter will be in session, but today I’m going back again without having given my testimony,” said one of the witnesses who cannot be mentioned for fear of victimisation.
Speaking to this journalist outside court, the disgruntled family said they were considering to call the officer to stop his investigation because they could not see any progress in the matter.
“We don’t know whether the court has been bribed by the accused or what.
“Every time we see the suspects outside, we are reminded of the pain we have gone through and the court does not seem ready to give us closure,” they said.
