The Bujram family are to continue fighting for justice to be served after murder accused, Thandeka Nukani, was acquitted of being involved in the murder of Grishen Bujram in 2007.
The family said they were left ‘shocked and hurt’ when Ms Nukani was set free by Justice Nkosi on the second day of her trial in the Madadeni High Court.
“There was political interference in this case from the day Grishen was shot dead in Sibongile that night. Now the Judge decided there was not enough evidence to prosecute the accused. I feel very disappointed in the justice system,” said his widow, Shirley.
Prosecutor Xaba rejected her plea that the case again be postponed. The victim’s family have lodged official complaints about this. This case must continue.”
Judge Nkosi called the prosecutor and Ms Nukan’s lawyer into his chambers. Ms Nukani’s nephew, Siyabonga Nukani, and boyfriend, Bongani Shangase, were found guilty for their role in Mr Bujram’s murder.
Shangase was sentenced to life imprisonment, while Siyabonga (who turned State witness) was jailed for 20 years as an accomplice.
The Court found that Shangase had pulled the trigger when the hired gunman, Mzaso Majola, declined to fire at Mr Bujram as ‘they were too many people in the street’.
Mr Majola, who had numerous other outstanding cases against him, was offered witness protection – which he declined – in return for giving evidence against the accused.