Dube murders: Victims’ families say they are kept in the dark
The families of three of the victims in the Themba Dube multi-murder case say they have been kept in the dark in regards to developments in the case.
POLOKWANE – Zimbabwean national Dube appeared in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (April 12) to face seven counts of kidnapping, seven counts of murder and one count of illegal immigration.
It was heard that the DNA results for three of the seven victims have been made available and that the case would be handed over to the high court.
Read more: Themba Dube murder case remanded for high court trial date
One of the victim’s mothers, Helen Cholo, said it is painful to have to come to court for every appearance and leave without complete understanding. “We come here to find out what the developments are, but information is never passed on to us and even if we are in court, we don’t always understand the legal jargon. They call us to sign papers but never tell us what we are signing or the progress that has been made in the case. We haven’t received counselling either and it is difficult to try and carry on with our lives if we still carry the weight of our loss with us.”
The spokesperson for the Department of Social Development, Witness Tiva, refuted claims that the victims’ families have not received counselling. “We have records that specify the details of the assessments that have been conducted, and the psychosocial support and other services that we have been rendering since November 2021. Food parcels and other basic relief measures were also provided to some of the families through our social relief of distress programme,” he told Polokwane Observer.
Tiva said it is important to note that support is available to family members who still require it and that it will remain continuous as government pledged its support to the families.
“Social workers will continue to be part of the court process and at a later stage, they will assist in preparing possible witnesses to testify in court,” he said.
Meanwhile, Operation Dudula and Put South Africa First members gathered outside the court in support of the victims’ families.
The chairperson of the Seshego Community Against Crime and Gangsterism, Vincent Kunutu, said they will continue to attend court cases until justice is served.
Put South Africa First movement leader Kwena Molokwa said they are not pleased with the postponement of the case. “We are not happy with the court proceedings. The court is unnecessarily delaying the case that needs to be prioritised in order for the families and the community to heal from this tragedy.”
Dube will make his next appearance on April 26.
