There was drama at the Sibasa Regional Court last Tuesday when the mother of a young man brutally killed in Dopeni on 27 November 2022 approached the prosecutor, demanding the case docket to handle the matter herself.
This followed the postponement of the case against the two suspects accused of stabbing her son to death. The hearing was postponed to 22 January next year.
Ms Tshililo Ralinala expressed her frustration, saying the suspects would enjoy their second festive season with their families while her son lay buried. "The prosecutors keep postponing the case, even though there is an eyewitness ready to testify in court. What is the court still waiting for? I need the docket to deal with them my own way," she said.
When her request was refused, Ralinala became furious, shouting that she should be given the docket.
The victim, Murendeni Ralinala (21), was a part-time photographer and the breadwinner of his family. It is alleged that the two suspects demanded he hand over his camera, but he refused. One of the accused then reportedly punched Murendeni while the other stabbed him in the chest. He collapsed, still clutching the camera, and was later declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Tsepho Munarini (22) was arrested the day after the incident, while Andani Munzha (18) was apprehended six days later.
Ms Ralinala said the state had arranged several counselling sessions for her, but these had not helped. "I keep thinking that one day I'll see my son coming home with his camera bag. Justice in this country is for the rich and the connected. Because we are poor, the police and justice system don't respect our rights. But now, I want to deal with them my own way. All I need is the docket," she said, sobbing.