Ludi Vink’s family prepares for pre-trial

Ludi Vink case goes ahead in February 2018.

VINK FAMILY: The family members were dressed in their white T-shirts.

THE year 2017 has been a long and tough year for the Vink family as they have not only lost their son, Ludi Vink (30) but they are still busy with court proceedings which were postponed every time.

Vink was stabbed with a pool cue by Daniel Jacobus Olivier (52) on February 21 after he tried to stop a fight at Mitzy’s Pub in Randhart. He died two days later.

Olivier appeared in the Palmridge Regional Court again on Wednesday, November 22 on charges of assault and murder together with his wife and three sons who are facing charges of assault – all related to Ludi’s death.

CARING: The Ludi T-shirts with his salute sign.

Again Vink’s supporters wore their white T-shirts with a photo of Ludi and B+ on it.

On Wednesday the matter was postponed to February 20 to allow the parties to convene for a pre-trail.

Olivier’s bail was extended.

ACCUSED: Daniel Jacobus Olivier sitting outside of Regional Court 6.

According to the state, Olivier declined a sentence plea bargain of six years imprisonment and chose to go to trial. Oliver asked for five years suspended sentence which was declined.

“The trial will most probably take place in April,” said a source close to the RECORD.

After court proceedings, Olivier hugged Danlee Vink the mother of Ludi, and said that he wishes to rather pay her the compensation money for the trial than to go ahead with it. Danlee did not take the offer.

SPEAKING: Daniel Jacobus Olivier speaking to Danlee Vink after the court proceedings.

A lesson to others

“I just feel as if my son’s death was also a lesson for others to rather not interfere or try to assist when there is a fight because you are the one that is going to get hurt,” she said.

Anet Vink (stepmother) also said that she told Ludi’s younger brother who is attending university now, to move away if he sees a fight. “It is actually very sad,” she said.

The Vink family have not stop supporting each other after the tragic death of the beloved son. Ludi’s sister, Danielle Vink Steenekamp, reminded everyone that the postponement will take place almost a year to date after the day Ludi was attacked. Family members said everything else will come out during the trial and justice will be served.

Danlee is still trying to take life day by day and according to her it was just a tough year. In one year she first lost her son, then her stepson and also her best friend. “I must say I do have peace in my heart because I have forgiven the man who murdered my son and I mean now I am just focusing on being the best grandmother to my daughter’s son, Johannes Lodewyk Steenekamp. I must go on and no words can describe the feeling of losing your child,” she said.

* The RECORD will attend the next court case and will keep readers updated.