Three years on, no justice for murdered Kaizer Chief's Dlodlo

According to the Department of Justice, "Non availability of the Attorney on several occasions, absence of the Assessors and absence of the Prosecutor" has led to the delay of finalisation of the case of murdered former Kaizer Chiefs defender Cleopas Dlodlo.

On the 13th of July it will be three years after the murder of former Amakhosi strongman.

Department of Justice spokesperson, Chester Mpane admits that there have been some major delays in handling of the case, but highlights that it will be concluded soon.

"The trial in this matter only started on the 15th April 2011. Several witnesses have testified in this matter. The delay in finalising this matter has been as a result of the non availability of the Attorney on several occasions, Absence of the Assessors and absence of the Prosecutor who started the case on 15 April 2011." He adds, "This matter is currently at an advance stage and it will be finalised soon. The matter has been adjourned to 16 July 2012 for further trial."

The case which is being heard at Johannesburg Regional courts has been postponed more than 10 times according to the family members. The retired footballer Dlodlo was fatally struck with a brick on the head during a Nightclub brawl in Johannesburg's sprawling Hillbrow suburb in July 2009, killing him on spot.

Family members are fuming over continued delays in handling of this case. They accuse the attorney and prosecutor for playing mind games towards the case.

 "The prosecutor and defense lawyer are playing Mickey Mouse games on this case. This shows that the accused indeed paid them to do this. We will appreciate that Justice Department hand over this case to new people maybe they can help bring closure to the family. We cannot sit with a dark cloud hanging over our heads for s long time," said a seething Mbuso Dlodlo.

Mechanic Tshabalala, an uncle of the deceased former player questioned the strength of Justice system due to the persistent delays of the case.

"The justice team is the one failing us as a family in this case. How can they allow their prosecutor and attorney playing mind games constantly and stalling progress of the case? We don't want a situation where some family members end up taking law into their own hand as a result of the justice system failures. Three state witnesses completed testifying against the accused last year in October and the case is constantly postponed since then," added a disappointed Tshabalala.

A resident of Alberton, the accused Knowledge Sikelele Dube was also found to be a Zimbabwean who fraudulently acquired South African citizenship. He is currently out on R2 000 bail and is set again on the 16th of July. Allegations are that the accused hit Dlodlo with a brick on the head, killing him on the spot as the former footballer tried to stop a group fight.

The deceased was a popular yesteryear player who turned out for Highlanders, Kaizer Chiefs, Ria Stars, Real Rovers, Moroka Swallows, Highlanders and the Zimbabwe national team.

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