Bujram family seeks justice

Seven years have passed since Grishen Bujram was murdered, but his family is still waiting for justice to be served.
At the time of his murder in June 2007 Grishen was a trade unionist, activist, Chairman of the ANC’s Endumeni Sub Region, a provincial organiser for the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) as well as a SACP member. But to his family he was a loving father, husband, uncle and servant of the poor.
Former Endumeni Mayor Thandeka Nukani and two other men were arrested in connection with the murder.
Ms Nukani was initially only let off on a warning.

She was then charged with the attempted poisoning in jail of her nephew Siyabonga Nukani, who has since turned state witness against her. Siyabonga is currently serving a 20-year sentence for the murder.

The poisoning charge was subsequently withdrawn.
Despite the severity of the case and the length of time on which it has been on the roll, the matter is far from being finalised. Each time the matter has gotten to court it has been remanded, either due to the accused being sick or, more recently, an assessor taking ill.
“We have been attending every court case, and have sat through six years of sick notes provided by the accused. The accused has been dictating to the court, and has been accommodated.

She is apparently very ill, yet she can campaign for the ANC,” said one distraught family member.
They have also questioned why the ANC still supports Ms Nukani

. “Where are the loyal comrades who were devastated by Grishen’s death? Apart from three or four loyal comrades, where are the rest?”
“The charges have done nothing to dent the image of Ms Nukani, who still appears in the newspapers as someone of importance.”
According to the DPP’s office, Ms Nukani was never arrested or charged for the murder, she was just summoned to court. This has also angered family members who wonder what it will take for justice to be served:

“What will it take for the case to get the attention it deserves? These delays are ridiculous, and give a bad impression of our justice system. It’s sad that the only ones suffering are the family members. When will it end?”