Dezire du Plessis. (Photo: Provided)
The man who is accused of hitting Dezireè du Plessis during the Soweto marathon last year is now on trial on charges of murder.
The man, Thabang Ndlovu, briefly appeared in the Orlando Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where the charge against him was officially changed from culpable homicide to murder.
This turn of events comes after AfriForum’s private prosecution unit wrote to the senior prosecutor in January this year to emphasize the seriousness of the case. Du Plessis was hit by a car on 29 November last year and died of her injuries on 12 December.
Adv. Gerrie Nel, head of AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, accompanied Du Plessis’ mother and sister, Saskia Barker and Marijke Miller, to court. The family was also supported by members of the Bobbies running club, including retired Maj. Gen. Sharon Schutte. Schutte was at the helm of the police’s serious and violent crime unit until her retirement in 2012. The support of the police community is significant, as both of Du Plessis’ parents were also members of the police.
Marijke Miller, Dezireè’s sister, opened her heart after the court proceedings about the loss and the way forward.
“It leaves you with bad feelings, a feeling you cannot describe, because you know you will never see her again. I hope that the legal process will take its course and that justice will be done for Dezireè.”
Adv. Gerrie Nel, head of AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, accompanied Du Plessis’ mother and sister, Saskia Barker and Marijke Miller, to court. (Photo: Provided)
The incident that claimed Du Plessis’ life took place when Ndlovu allegedly ignored several warnings from traffic officers. He apparently drove into a cordoned off area with his vehicle despite verbal and physical warnings. Several other athletes had to scramble to get out of the way of the oncoming vehicle before Du Plessis was hit.
Miller says she is deeply grateful to those who are assisting the family in this dark time.
“It’s an overwhelming feeling to feel that there are people who stand behind you, who stand behind Dezzie. It’s just an indescribable feeling of gratitude that we have that AfriForum is also involved in this and helping us to continue this cause.
Thabang Ndlovu. (Photo: Provided)
“For us as a family, it means an incredible amount to have your assistance and the Bobbies’ assistance. We can’t do it without you.”
Barry Bateman, spokesperson for AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, says the organization will monitor the case closely.
“AfriForum’s private prosecution unit is satisfied that the police and the National Prosecuting Authority are paying sufficient attention to this case, especially after the positive feedback on our argument that the accused should be charged with murder rather than culpable homicide.”
According to Bateman, it is essential that such cases are thoroughly investigated to create a precedent against road rage and lawlessness.
“Thorough investigations lead to strong cases and strong cases lead to convictions. Without convictions, the rampant lawlessness on the country’s roads will continue.
“An innocent mother, who was participating in an activity she enjoyed with thousands of other runners, had her life cut short as a result of a complete disregard for the law. There must be serious consequences for this type of action.”
Ndlovu currently remains in custody. Although bail of R8 000 was granted to him, he has not paid it so far. The case was adjourned until March 27 for further investigation.
(Photo: Provided)