Murder of girl (9) remains unsolved
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has dropped the charges against three men accused of killing a nine-year-old girl.
Jan Willemse, Jaco Philander and Frikkie Thomas were arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder and molestation of Elvandre van Wyk from Louisvaleweg, Upington, in January 2007, spokesman Phaladi Shuping said in a statement.
The men's bail application had been unsuccessful and they had been in police custody since their arrest.
"The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Kimberley, received the case docket on 7 October 2010," he said.
"The matter was allocated to experienced prosecutors. After perusing the case docket and consulting with the witnesses we are of the view that the available evidence does not justify a prosecution at this stage.
"Therefore, the case against the three accused was formally withdrawn on Thursday 25 November 2010."
Shuping said the NPA realised it was a sensitive matter and knew the community wanted to see justice being done. However, going to court without reliable information would not serve the interests of justice.
The Northern Cape DPP had decided to request the Regional Court Magistrate in Upington to hold a formal judicial inquest into the death of the girl, which the community would be allowed to attend, he said.
Child murder trial collapses
Murder of girl (9) remains unsolved
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has dropped the charges against three men accused of killing a nine-year-old girl.
Jan Willemse, Jaco Philander and Frikkie Thomas were arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder and molestation of Elvandre van Wyk from Louisvaleweg, Upington, in January 2007, spokesman Phaladi Shuping said in a statement.
The men's bail application had been unsuccessful and they had been in police custody since their arrest.
"The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Kimberley, received the case docket on 7 October 2010," he said.
"The matter was allocated to experienced prosecutors. After perusing the case docket and consulting with the witnesses we are of the view that the available evidence does not justify a prosecution at this stage.
"Therefore, the case against the three accused was formally withdrawn on Thursday 25 November 2010."
Shuping said the NPA realised it was a sensitive matter and knew the community wanted to see justice being done. However, going to court without reliable information would not serve the interests of justice.
The Northern Cape DPP had decided to request the Regional Court Magistrate in Upington to hold a formal judicial inquest into the death of the girl, which the community would be allowed to attend, he said.
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