THE case of Annie Phungula, who was allegedly killed by her husband Bossie, is another example of how our justice system continues to fail the vulnerable
Court papers allege that Bossie, in the wee hours of July 15 last year, stabbed Annie five times, poured petrol petrol over her and set her alight.
He allegedly did this in front of their children and the nanny after locking them in the house so that they could not escape.
The kids and nanny eventually managed to escape, but Annie was not so lucky. She suffered third-degree burns and died in hospital after four months of agony.
After the tragedy Bossie turned himself in to the police. But last Friday he walked free after the case against him was withdrawn for a lack of evidence.
The decision by the court is a terrible blow to Annie's children and her family.
Nothing can bring Annie back but at least seeing justice done would go a long way to helping Annie's family get closure on the matter
As it is the prosecutor involved blames the decision to withdraw the case on a shoddy police investigation. The police, on the other hand, disputes his assertion.
There are also questions about the prosecution's claim that the police's investigation was shoddy. Our understanding is that the prosecution normally discusses cases with investigating officers.
This is to ensure that the state has a strong case against the accused. Why, in Annie's case for example, did the prosecution not highlight whatever weaknesses were identified to the investigating officer?
The public's expectation is that the state will do everything in its power to ensure that those committing crimes - especially against women and children - face the full wrath of the law.This is also what Annie's children and family expect.
Unfortunately the bickering between the two officials does nothing to enhance their confidence in the justice system.
They have lost both a mother and daughter whom they loved dearly. The least they can expect is for the law to take its course.
The bickering also does nothing to alleviate the trauma and pain Annie's children and family continue to suffer. Bossie is innocent until proven otherwise. Proper prosecution of the case would afford him the opportunity to state his case. But, for this to happen the matter should be placed before the court.
Justice fails the weak
THE case of Annie Phungula, who was allegedly killed by her husband Bossie, is another example of how our justice system continues to fail the vulnerable
Court papers allege that Bossie, in the wee hours of July 15 last year, stabbed Annie five times, poured petrol petrol over her and set her alight.
He allegedly did this in front of their children and the nanny after locking them in the house so that they could not escape.
The kids and nanny eventually managed to escape, but Annie was not so lucky. She suffered third-degree burns and died in hospital after four months of agony.
After the tragedy Bossie turned himself in to the police. But last Friday he walked free after the case against him was withdrawn for a lack of evidence.
The decision by the court is a terrible blow to Annie's children and her family.
Nothing can bring Annie back but at least seeing justice done would go a long way to helping Annie's family get closure on the matter
As it is the prosecutor involved blames the decision to withdraw the case on a shoddy police investigation. The police, on the other hand, disputes his assertion.
There are also questions about the prosecution's claim that the police's investigation was shoddy. Our understanding is that the prosecution normally discusses cases with investigating officers.
This is to ensure that the state has a strong case against the accused. Why, in Annie's case for example, did the prosecution not highlight whatever weaknesses were identified to the investigating officer?
The public's expectation is that the state will do everything in its power to ensure that those committing crimes - especially against women and children - face the full wrath of the law.This is also what Annie's children and family expect.
Unfortunately the bickering between the two officials does nothing to enhance their confidence in the justice system.
They have lost both a mother and daughter whom they loved dearly. The least they can expect is for the law to take its course.
The bickering also does nothing to alleviate the trauma and pain Annie's children and family continue to suffer. Bossie is innocent until proven otherwise. Proper prosecution of the case would afford him the opportunity to state his case. But, for this to happen the matter should be placed before the court.
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