SAMWU murder accused to go on trial in October
Two Samwu members were gunned down in 2019 in separate incidents after they were vocal against and publicly criticised the Vhembe District Municipality's unlawful investment of R300m into the now defunct VBS Bank.
LIMPOPO- One of the family members of slain South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) officials from the Vhembe District Municipality, Lucky Mani said they are satisfied that the trial will finally start for those accused of killing their loved ones.
This, after the Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou ordered that the trial against the three Radzuma brothers, accused of the murders of Timpson Musetsho (50) and Ronald Mani (50) is scheduled for October 9-27.
Simon Radzuma, Percy Radzuma and Nduvhuwo Radzuma each have their own legal representatives, who confirmed they are ready to proceed with the trial.
Mani spoke outside the court in Thohoyandou on Thursday, joined by some family members, and Samwu and Cosatu members who braved the chilly weather to attend the court appearance.
Judge AML Phatudi also ordered media representatives who would like to take photographs at the start of the trial, to apply well in advance.
Dean Simon Farisani of the Vhembe Mass Democratic Movement, also a veteran political struggle icon, who used to attend the court appearance of the Radzuma brothers, said they will not surrender until the masterminds behind the murders are convicted too.
“The start of this trial puts us halfway there to reach our destination, where justice for our slain members will be judged by the high court.”
The two Samwu members were gunned down in 2019 in separate incidents, after they were vocal against and publicly criticised the district municipality’s unlawful investment of R300m into the now defunct VBS Bank.
Meanwhile, Cosatu provincial secretary, Hangwani Mashau who also attended the court appearance said they stand with the families of the slain members. “We want those responsible to face the full might of the law.”
