Families of the 16 patrons who were massacred at Mdlalose Tavern in Nomzamo Informal Settlement, Orlando East in July, last year say they have no hope in the country’s justice system.
The families held a memorial ceremony on Sunday to mark a year since the incident. Several people were arrested and said to be linked with the shootings but the NPA recently withdrew charges against six men due to a lack of evidence linking them to the killings.
The community, including relatives and friends from Umzimkhulu, KwaZulu Natal, local leaders and families were part of a ceremony. The majority of those who were killed in the 9 July massacre were from Umzimkhulu and were buried there.
Spokesperson for the families Zwelibanzi Nzimande said the law doesn’t serve the poor and he believes they won’t get any justice for those who were killed at the tavern.
“What I can say is that the law of this country doesn’t serve the poor, it only serves people with money. We have accepted that our children died and they will never wake up. We have accepted that the case is finished. They died worse than dogs because when you kill a dog you get arrested,” said Nzimande.
However, Gauteng MEC of Community Safety Faith Mazibuko said the suspects may still face the wrath of the law.
“The case has been provisionally withdrawn which means it can still be brought back to court. The matter was removed from the court roll so police can continue to investigate it to get more evidence to use against the accused,” she said.
Umzimkhulu Chief Vusamadoda Mchunu, speaking outside the house that used to be Mdlalose Tavern said the community lost future leaders.
“These were our grandchildren and our future leaders. They were slaughtered here. It is still painful to us as the community of Umzimkhulu.”
