Lombard case: murder or manslaughter?

PALM RIDGE – Owein Lombard was fatally shot on June 9, 2012; today November 11 the case continues, although the NDPP has not clarified whether it is a case of manslaughter or murder.

Accused Michael Julian Sinequan, who was charged with murder, handed himself over 17 days after he shot at Owein twice, missing once, as a result of a road-rage incident in Michelle Avenue.

State Prosecutor, Johan Olivier did not receive any confirmation from NDPP (National Directing Public Prosecutor) whether they have decided if the case is manslaughter or murder since the defence made an appeal to DPP (Directing Public Prosecutor) to change the case to manslaughter.

Magistrate Mrs Singh asked that the case stand down until a decision is made and clarified with the court.

The Lombard family told the RECORD that they will not settle for any further postponements since this is their twelfth visit to Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

State requested that the video conferencing, which will be presented as evidence, be presented at a later stage. State also mentioned that they would be ready to go ahead with the case if the court was willing to proceed without the defence’s representations from DPP.

Magistrate Singh concluded that it was not the fault of the defence that the case could not proceed, “The court is unimpressed with DPP for not making a decision regarding the defence’s representations and will not stand down nor be postponed at the next court appearance.”

The case has been postponed and was set for trial on January 17 at Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Regional Court 6.

Owein’s family also summonsed for a civil lawsuit. Currently Wimpie Herbst is representing Owein Lombard’s family.

Owein leaves a wife Tersia and one son, Tian (7). The family all have T-shirts with Owein’s name on the back in remembrance of their dear family member and friend.

After a daily newspaper printed a photo of accused Michael Julian Sinequan, he moved from his home in Alberton to KwaZulu-Natal with life becoming very difficult as his identity was no longer secret.