Father outraged after Limpopo teen murder case withdrawn
The father of a Limpopo teen shot dead, allegedly by his friend, says the justice system has failed his family after the case was withdrawn.
The father of 16-year-old Rolivhuwa Bakali, who was reportedly shot and killed, allegedly by his friend, says the justice system has failed his family after the murder case against the 18-year-old suspect was withdrawn.
Polokwane Review reports the incident occurred at Madombidzha in Limpopo on December 12 last year.
Shooting incident
According to reports, the two friends were playing when the suspect produced a firearm and shot Rolivhuwa, a Grade 8 learner at Litshovhu High School.
The suspect was later found in possession of the weapon.
He was released on R3 000 bail, and on August 30, the case was provisionally withdrawn at the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate’s Court, with the suspect refunded his bail money.
Family devastated by case withdrawal
The victim’s father, Ronald Bakali, said the family was devastated and felt betrayed by the justice system.
“I am so frustrated because I relied on the NPA, but they have failed me. I keep asking myself if there will ever be justice for my child.”
Bakali added that the family was never given a clear explanation for the case’s withdrawal.
“It pains me to see the suspect walking around freely. Once again, we have been failed by the South African justice system. Only God will judge him,” he said.
Unanswered questions remain
Bakali said the family still had many unanswered questions about what happened on the day of the shooting.
“We will never know what truly happened, but we will not let this go. If we have to, we will take it all the way to the minister for justice.”
NPA confirms case not closed
Limpopo NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi confirmed that the case was struck off the roll pending further investigation.
“Ballistic results are still outstanding, but the case is not closed. The accused will be brought back to court once the Director of Public Prosecutions decides on the next step.”
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