Charges dropped against Mitzy’s pub murder accused

Before court proceedings: Daniel Olivier in court.

The case against Daniel Jacobus Olivier (53) has been withdrawn by the state on October 22 at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Olivier allegedly attacked Ludi Vink on February 21, in 2017, after Vink tried to stop a fight between Olivier and the owner of Mitzy’s Pub. He was stabbed in his eye with a pool cue. Vink was taken to the Thelle Mogoerane Hospital and was then transferred to the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre in Johannesburg, where he died.

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It has been a year and eight months since the death of Vink, and this is also the period of how long the court case continued.

On June 6, the Alberton Record wrote that the family of Vink was getting ready for a trial which was set for October 22 to October 26 only to hear that the case had been withdrawn.

“The case was set down for trial, but at this point of time the state is withdrawing the case,” said Johan Olivier, the state prosecutor.

According to the prosecutor, there was a lack of statements and information. The court also does not have the post-mortem results of the deceased.

After the magistrate told Daniel Olivier that charges against him were withdrawn and that he may go, he looked up to the roof with his hands together on his chest and said: “Thank you.”

Just like before, both of Vink’s parents, his sisters, brother and supporters, were in court dressed in their B+ (positive) shirts in support of Vink. This time the family walked out in tears. Vink’s family did not want to give comment.

Outside the court, Olivier, dressed in black trousers, a black shirt with a tie and black shoes, stood with his family and lawyers with a look of relief on his face.