The murder case of Siphoazi Booi continues to drag on as a glimmer of hope for justice was shattered at the Paarl Regional court on Friday morning. The courtroom, packed with family and friends of Siphokazi, went from a scene of careful optimism to one of outrage and confusion when the magistrate announced the case was postponed to 14 December 2023 for plea. Action Society will continue to monitor the case and support Siphokazi’s family until justice is served.
“There seemed to be confusion about why we were at the court. The state indicated they expected a plea today, but the defence said they were there for a pre-trial. The defence eventually admitted they were at fault for getting it wrong and requested more time. The prosecutor stressed the importance of the case being concluded as soon as possible as the community and family are frustrated with the ongoing delays. The magistrate also noted that he dislikes the delay tactics of the defence,” said Action Society’s Kaylynn Palm.
“Rasta and his team are clearly manipulating the justice system, taunting Siphokazi’s family as they have to look this monster in the eye time and time again. The prosecutor indicated that Rasta refused to work with the correctional staff in obtaining reports relating to the plea, thus the delay. He manipulates the whole system for as long as he can without the slightest hint of remorse.”
Friday marked the 13th delay in this case after Siphokazi’s brutal murder at the hands of Sithobele ‘Rasta’ Qebe, 782 days ago on 5 September 2021. She was only 27 when her life was cut short in an act of unimaginable cruelty. Sipokhazi’s dismembered and charred body was found near the Mbekweni train station at a dumpsite in Paarl, only 100 metres from Rasta’s shack. Her body was chopped up, stuffed into a wheelie bin and burnt beyond recognition. She had to be identified via DNA evidence gathered from her family.
