SAMWU murders: Intimidation case postponed again
Head of Legal Aid in Thohoyandou Thomas Madzaga says there is internally a conflict of interest with their practitioners in regional courts.
LIMPOPO- The intimidation case of Thabo Zibanwe, for the intimidation of whistle-blowers in the VBS Mutual Bank saga was again postponed by the Sibasa Regional Court on May 2, after there was no legal representation for him in court. He also stands accused of contravening the Immigration Act, as he is reportedly an illegal immigrant.
The case was postponed to June 5.
The delay is once more putting strain on the families of the two slain Vhembe District South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) officials, who were gunned down in 2019 in separate incidents, said Rabelani Mphaphuli.
According to Mphaphuli, the families of Timpson Musetsho and Ronald Mani can’t get the necessary closure as the matter is being dragged out.
“We are also worried that those who ordered the hit, have not yet been arrested. We want the regional court to speed up the trial and send anyone found guilty to jail for their deeds.”
The head of Legal Aid South Africa’s Thohoyandou office, Thomas Madzaga said there is internally, a conflict of interest with their practitioners in regional courts. “They know the victims, and as such, we cannot assist Zibanwe. We want the matter to be handled by the right people so the accused can receive a fair trial.”
In the meantime, Sibanze’s co-accused, the Radzuma brothers Simon, Percy and Ndivhuwo will appear in the Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou on May 29 for the murder of the two slain officials.
