EFF statement on the NPA dropping charges against the six accused in the Mdlalose tavern killings
13 June 2023
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is exasperated by the persistent failure of the justice system. The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) has taken a decision to drop the charges against the six accused persons in the deadly shootings that took place in July 2021 at Mdlalose tavern in Nomzamo Park, Orlando East, Soweto. The shootings left 16 people dead and several injured.
According the NPA there are no prospects of successful prosecution of the accused. He further stated that the SAPS did not continue with investigations due to witnesses fearing for their lives and others who did lose their lives for participating in the investigation.
It has become the modus operandi of the SAPS under Bheki Cele for arrests to occur without proper investigations, later releasing supposed suspects. We no longer know who are the real criminals and who are not.
The minister visited the site of the attack on Orlando East, and promised residents and grieving families that the culprits would be found and prosecuted. Cele consistently parades himself in such high profile cases, but never takes the effort to close and prosecute those cases.
In fact, under his watch, crime has significantly increased. According to the latest statistics, the first quarter of this year saw a 7,25% increase in overall crime, and murder was up by 3,4% from last year.
It is also astounding how SAPS could not investigate further due to witnesses refusing to testify or losing their lives, when it is their duty to ensure witness protection.
Similarly, in the Hillary Gardee case, all charges against the suspects were withdrawn after the failure of witnesses to show up.
Whistle blowers are also not safe in South Africa despite the great service they pay to this country. In 2021 Babita Deokaran was assassinated hit style outside her home in 2021 after uncovering RI-billion worth of corruption in the Gauteng Health Department, amongst many other across the country.
These murders that occurred at Mdlalose tavern are related to the ongoing wars of the zama zama cartels with access to military grade weapons. It is no surprise then, that investigations were flawed as it has become well known that these cartels operate above the law. Last year charges were also withdrawn after these same cartels brutally gang raped a group of young women who were shooting a film in Krugersdoorp.
Under ANC leadership, our justice system has also been captured by cartels. Our children and families are no longer safe and are further victimised by the lack of access to justice. Justice is no longer free nor fair.
Instead of fulfilling its mandate to the people, the justice system under the ANC now serves cartels to the detriment of our own sense of safety. There is no hope for justice to ever occur in South Africa when the ANC has handed over their power to criminal organisations.
South Africans, it is your responsibility to finally vote the ANC out. In 2024, put your trust in the EFF , an organisation always at the forefront of fighting for justice.
Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 14 June 2023
