Families of victims of several brutal killings have voiced growing frustration over what they describe as painfully slow progress in the justice system, after court proceedings in high-profile murder cases were postponed in Pretoria this week.
Suspects linked to the Jukulyn mass shooting, as well as the killing of Mamelodi cousins Baleseng Moramaga (21) and Tshiamo Moramaga (22), appeared in separate courts where their cases were postponed — much to the dismay of grieving relatives who packed the courtrooms seeking justice.
Phindile Ndwandwe, whose children narrowly escaped the 2023 New Year’s Eve shooting that claimed four lives, said repeated delays have left families emotionally exhausted. Ndwandwe expressed anger over ongoing bail discussions, saying the families have attended court appearances since early 2024 with little progress.
“Honestly speaking, this thing is tiring. We have been coming here since the beginning of 2024. At some stage we were told someone confessed, but now they say they want bail. Bail for what?” she said, adding that she would continue attending every court appearance.
Koketso Malakapatlo, who lost her younger sister in the same shooting, said the trauma has permanently changed her life. She fears that releasing the suspects could place communities at further risk.
“If they come outside, we are in danger. We know that we’re in danger. But we’d rather die for the truth,” she said. “They don’t even show remorse. You can see it in their smiles — it’s a lifestyle for them.”
Ndwandwe also raised concerns about the alleged criminal activities of one of the suspects while in custody, claiming he was previously seen on television during a raid at Kgoshi Mampuru Prison, where inmates were allegedly found in possession of contraband.
“One of them appeared during that raid — he was caught selling drugs and food and had a cellphone,” she said. “That means even inside prison they know what’s happening outside. We even received a threatening phone call from the same prison.”
The case against three accused in the Jukulyn shooting was postponed to Tuesday at the request of their legal representatives, after two suspects abandoned their bail applications.
Meanwhile, in Mamelodi, the case against Tebogo Mnisi — accused of fatally shooting the two young cousins — was also postponed, sparking further outrage from family members. Nthabiseng Buthelezi, an aunt of the victims, questioned why authorities required additional investigations despite a suspect already being in custody.
Families say the repeated postponements deepen their pain and erode confidence in the justice system, calling on authorities to act with urgency to ensure accountability and protect communities from further violence.