After almost a year of postponements and seemingly delaying tactics, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel for the heartbroken family of Lihle Zenzile as her accused killer is found to be mentally fit to plea. The psychological report for the accused was submitted to the State on Tuesday, confirming that he is fit to stand trial. Her family is left feeling bittersweet as nothing can bring her back, but a small step has been taken in the long road to justice, and Action Society will continue to support the family when he appears in the Paarl Regional Court again on 17 May for a plea bargain.
The 10-year-old girl from Mbekweni in Paarl, was killed on January 6, 2023 by a close member of her family who was living in the same house with her and her family. She went missing and after a lengthy search, her killer handed himself over to the police and indicated where her body was hidden. Forensic tests later revealed that he strangled her to death.
“Action Society walked out of the Paarl Regional court with mixed reactions. On the one hand we are pleased with the breakthrough, but it feels like we are constantly fighting on the back foot. This case should be done by now, and her killer charged. Justice delayed is justice denied. However we will not give in and we will fight to the bitter end until we see this monster behind bars for life,” said Head of Action Society’s Action Centre in the Western Cape, Kaylynn Palm.
