NPA withdraws case against Lim VF+ leader

LIMPOPO – As the investigation on crimen injuria against the Freedom Front Plus Provincial Leader, Marcelle Maritz, for allegedly uttering the K-word in a video that went viral last year September was withdrawn, she might not be off the hook yet.

Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi Regional Spokesperson for Limpopo from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), confirmed that the case was on the roll but due to lack of sufficient evidence it was withdrawn on 14 August in the Mokopane Regional Court. There is still an equity investigation that is under way.

Bosveld previously reported that Maritz was in hot water for apparently using the K-word in a video when referring to the APK Church as ‘Church without K***rs’. Maritz was filmed in what appeared to be an office setup at the Percy Fyfe SPCA using the alleged racial slur during a random conversation.

After the video went viral on social media, the DA’s Limpopo NCOP Member of Parliament, Beyers Smit posted it on Facebook.

Read more: Lim FF+ Leader denies using ‘k-word’

Smit and the DA Limpopo Provincial Chairperson, Geoffrey Tshibvumo, laid criminal charges against Maritz and also reported the matter to the Human Rights Commission (HRC). The Provincial Manager for the HRC, Victor Mavdula, explained that two different investigations taken place. He explained that Maritz faced two different charges.

“The criminal injuria is being dealt with differently. We will proceed with the equity as we feel that we have a strong case against her,” he stated as he added that the court date was not yet received. Mavdula also stated that the HRC is currently pushing for the equity matter to be referred to the High Court in Polokwane. “If we can’t go to the high court, the matter will be heard in the magistrate’s court again. Maritz told Bosveld that the matter was sent to her legal team to advise her on the next step and the way forward. Her attorney, Willie Jordaan declined the opportunity to comment on the matter.

bosnews@nmgroup.co.za