UPDATE: Acquittal of Ms Lizahn Venter on December 14, 2017
“We have always trusted in the judicial process to prove Lizahn’s innocence and the result, when she was acquitted of all charges, was not unexpected.”
The RECORD received the following as comment to the story: Not guilty verdict – no closure for families, published online on Friday, December 15:
The writer hereof is grateful for the opportunity to supply you with the following comment by Lizahn Venter and her family after her acquittal on charges of culpable homicide of Ms Chanel Lombard and Mr Reynard Burger as a result of a motor vehicle accident during the early hours of the morning of April 27, 2014:
“We, Lizahn Venter, family and friends, firstly wish to again commiserate with the parents, family and friends of Chanel Lombard and Reynard Burger for the tragic loss they had suffered. Chanel was Lizahn’s best friend and she and Reynard had been friends since they were in primary school and her loss, although it cannot compare to the loss suffered by their parents, is a constant pain in her life as well.
“We have always trusted in the judicial process to prove Lizahn’s innocence and the result, when she was acquitted of all charges, was not unexpected.
Also Read: UPDATE: Not guilty verdict – no closure for families
“It had been clear from the statements in the police case docket and it was confirmed by experts in evidence that the Subaru driven by Lizahn had suffered a rapid deflation of the right rear tyre which caused the vehicle to ‘yaw’, a motion which removed all control from Lizahn.
“The accident, albeit an extremely tragic one, was nobody’s fault.
“It is unfortunate that the families of Chanel and Reynard are not able to accept that Lizahn is not to blame for the accident and required her conviction on the charges to gain closure. It is prayed that, now that the trial is over, they will be able to find acceptance and peace of mind.
“We have been advised that, since the judgment is based on factual findings, no appeal by the State is possible and it is hoped that all concerned can now continue with their lives.”
Issued by: Johan Schaefer – Attorney
MUST READ: Teenager killed after an accident on the N17
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
