The Paarl Regional court was packed with family and friends of Siphokazi Booi on Monday as her murder trial against Sithobele ‘Rasta’ Qebe commenced. Action Society is confident that this week will be a big step on the road to justice for Siphokazi. Today the defence cross examined the investigation officer and the pathologist will testify tomorrow.
The investigating officer detailed the gruesome nature of Siphokazi’s death; she was severely beaten, dismembered and tossed in a wheelie bin before it was set on fire. She added that her face was not recognisable and her identity had to be confirmed through DNA testing. She also pointed out the fact that Rasta was out on bail at the time of her murder for assault GBH (also against Siphokazi), and one of the conditions was that he was not allowed to go near her. She showed before and after photos of Siphokazi wherein she is completely unrecognisable. She finally explained how community members helped chase down and arrest Rasta after they found out about the murder.
Siphokazi’s murder is symbolic of South Africa’s decaying judicial system and how it continues to delay and deny justice for victims of violence and how criminals abuse the justice system through countless unnecessary delay tactics. It is also symbolic of thousands of families suffering while they wait for the wheels of justice to turn.
“We will continue to show up in this court everyday this week and we will walk with her family, friends and the Mbekweni community on their long journey toward justice and see her killer behind jail bars for life,” said Action Society’s Kaylynn Palm.
The case is expected to continue throughout this week.
