The MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng, Faith Mazibuko, met with members of the Vlakfontein community on Monday, June 10, following the withdrawal of murder charges against Fita Khupe. The National Prosecuting Authority decided to withdraw charges due to the lack of conclusive evidence linking him to the death of the 7 murdered Khoza family members.The community members raised a number of issues relating to their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the judicial process. The most pertinent issues raised by the community were as follows:
- The change of the court date from June 13 to June 7, without the community being informed.
- The community wanted the charges to be reinstated and a new investigation to be conducted.
- The community expressed its dissatisfaction with the manner in which case was investigated and the length of time that it took for evidence to be gathered.
- The community did not accept that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Khupe.
- The community wanted evidence to satisfy themselves that accused murderer, Ernest Mabasa, was, in fact, dead.
The MEC has since appointed a team within the Department of Community Safety to conduct a thorough investigation with the intention of assisting the community to lodge aa appeal to have the charges against Khupe reinstated. She confirmed that she would discuss the merits of the case with the Minister of Justice, and explore the reinstatement of the charges. She would also consult with the MEC of Community Safety in the Western Cape regarding the death in custody of Ernest Mabasa.
MEC Mazibuko alsopromised to hold a public meeting in Vlakfontein. She said that she would use the meeting to address other unresolved cases of gender based violence in Vlakfontein and surrounding areas. Details of the meeting will be communicated as soon as the MEC has received the results of the investigation by the Department of Community Safety.
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