Action Society laments the fact that the murder case of Candice Robertson has been further delayed while her suspected killer, Etienne van der Merwe, continues to enjoy life as a free man. On Monday, the matter was provisionally struck from the court roll as SAPS has not yet completed the investigation.
“Candice’s case is another example of how the justice system fails in the pursuit of justice against the perpetrators of violence against women in South Africa. Candice was murdered 18 months ago. Either the police are dragging their feet, or the case is being held up by the ever present DNA Backlog crisis. The result is not only delayed justice, but in this case also the fact that a probable murderer is still walking the streets,” said Action Society’s Kaylynn Palm.
Candice was found dead at a guesthouse in Green Point on April 30, 2022 after Van der Merwe phoned the owner of the guesthouse saying that Candice had committed suicide. However when law enforcement and medics appeared at the scene, it was clear that she had been murdered and he was promptly arrested. Shockingly, he was soon released on bail of R6000.
Action Society supported Candice’s distraught family at the Cape Town Magistrates court on Monday afternoon after the case was struck from the roll due to the incomplete investigation. The family was hoping for some movement on the case, instead it grinded to a halt.
“We will not give up. Yes, justice has been delayed, but the case has not been withdrawn, and so we will keep the pressure on the police to conclude their investigation. Candice deserves justice.” Palm concluded.
