UPDATE: Centurion hit-and-run trial continues

The Centurion teen 2017 hit-and-run culpable homicide trial will continue in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

The trial against Siphiwe Mahlaba was postponed during his previous court appearance as presiding officer, Magistrate Thandi Theledi, was ill.

Following the postponement, the family expressed frustrations with the delays.

“As a family, this has proved very frustrating to us,” said Viljoen’s mother, Anita Greyventstein.

“However, we know that we have no choice but to rely on the system and hope for the best.

“I think the most important is not to react emotionally but to hope and pray that the law takes its course.”

At the start of the trial in May, Mahlaba pleaded not guilty to all the charges that included culpable homicide with reckless and negligent driving as an alternative as well as inconsiderate driving.

READ MORE: UPDATE: Centurion hit-and-run trial postponed to October

In 2017, Viljoen was found dead next to the N14 freeway in Centurion, two weeks ahead his 19th birthday.

A post mortem concluded the cause of his death was “blunt force trauma”.

It is believed he died on the scene after he was struck by a vehicle while walking along the road.

Viljoen had been involved in a minor accident which had immobilised his car and was walking to find help.

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