Action Society has submitted a formal application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regarding the inquest proceedings into the suspicious death of 16-year-old Jayden Shane Masson.
This follows a letter sent last month to the prosecutor assigned to the case, requesting clarity on the unexplained delays and irregularities that have plagued the matter.
Jayden died on 22 December 2021 at his father’s property in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg. Despite overwhelming medical and forensic evidence indicating grievous bodily harm, the case was mishandled for over two years before it was formally reclassified as murder in February 2024. Both the attending doctor and the State Pathologist concluded that Jayden’s injuries were consistent with a violent assault. Yet, critical evidence was lost, key interviews delayed, and glaring contradictions ignored.
The PAIA application submitted by Action Society requests full access to the inquest docket, including statements, forensic reports, subpoenas, and all internal correspondence between prosecutors and investigators. The application also seeks records explaining why the docket was transferred between courts and why subpoenas have not been issued without further delay.
“It is unacceptable that a 16-year-old boy could die such a violent death and yet, nearly four years later, the legal system has failed to provide his family with answers,” said Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society. “By filing this PAIA request, we are demanding transparency and accountability from the NPA. Jayden’s family has the right to know why this case has been delayed, and South Africa has the right to expect better from its justice system.”
Action Society, officially mandated by Jayden’s family, remains committed to pursuing all available avenues to ensure accountability and justice in this matter.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Du Preez added. “Jayden’s case must be handled with integrity and urgency, and Action Society will not rest until the truth is brought to light.”
Action Society has submitted a formal application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regarding the inquest proceedings into the suspicious death of 16-year-old Jayden Shane Masson.
This follows a letter sent last month to the prosecutor assigned to the case, requesting clarity on the unexplained delays and irregularities that have plagued the matter.
Jayden died on 22 December 2021 at his father’s property in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg. Despite overwhelming medical and forensic evidence indicating grievous bodily harm, the case was mishandled for over two years before it was formally reclassified as murder in February 2024. Both the attending doctor and the State Pathologist concluded that Jayden’s injuries were consistent with a violent assault. Yet, critical evidence was lost, key interviews delayed, and glaring contradictions ignored.
The PAIA application submitted by Action Society requests full access to the inquest docket, including statements, forensic reports, subpoenas, and all internal correspondence between prosecutors and investigators. The application also seeks records explaining why the docket was transferred between courts and why subpoenas have not been issued without further delay.
“It is unacceptable that a 16-year-old boy could die such a violent death and yet, nearly four years later, the legal system has failed to provide his family with answers,” said Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society. “By filing this PAIA request, we are demanding transparency and accountability from the NPA. Jayden’s family has the right to know why this case has been delayed, and South Africa has the right to expect better from its justice system.”
Action Society, officially mandated by Jayden’s family, remains committed to pursuing all available avenues to ensure accountability and justice in this matter.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Du Preez added. “Jayden’s case must be handled with integrity and urgency, and Action Society will not rest until the truth is brought to light.”
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