The Legal maxim “Justice delayed is justice denied” is playing itself out, at the Moretele Magistrate Court, as the case of murder accused Joshua Baloi, who was arrested for brutally slaying a 22 year old Mpho Jane Mahlangu, was once again postponed for tomorrow, due to the accused having no legal counsel.
Like a merry go round the case has been marred by the unavailability of key members crucial to the case, first it was postpone due to a no-show by the magistrate followed by the absentia of the investigating officer. now the accused legal representation problems added to the mix.
” I was so much hurt broken after seeing Joshua in fresh and clean clothes, and also relaxed while we are mourning for our daughter because of him, Mpho left home to sell winter stockings and she came back home as a corpse.” said by Mpho’s aunty Zandile Mahlangu
She added by saying, I doubt there will be a fair judgment regarding the case hence there were not witnesses that has been called to testify. The state delay us justice.
Disappointed family Spokesperson, also the deceased uncle Jabulani Mahlangu said “the family is very dissatisfied about how the case is being handled, we are very much disenchanted and hurt, the case was postponed without us being given valid reasons and explanations besides being told that the accused lawyer is absent. We need a fair trial.”
To elucidate the day of the event according to the uncle, Mpho was sturdily beaten by the suspect for unknown reasons.
“She was found by Mpho’s mother, after receiving a call from one of her friends informing them that she fainted after being beaten by the accused. No one knows why he brutally assaulted her, they were both in shock and after their discovery and called out for help, the accused fled the scene of the crime,” said Mahlangu.
She was rushed to Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital by her sister and brother-in-law where she later passed on
The Mahlangu family vowed to fight for justice no matter what; they said it’s not only for their daughter but also for the next victims.
