Ntabethemba family seeks answers after assault case dismissed

A family in Ntabethemba says it is still searching for answers after an assault case was dismissed following the complainant’s absence from one court date.

The family told Komani News that the complainant was allegedly stabbed by a neighbour in December 2024. They said the matter was later placed on the roll at Ntabethemba Magistrate’s Court and that the complainant attended court on several occasions.

However, the family said the case was dismissed after the complainant missed one court date while attending school in another area and facing financial difficulties that made travelling difficult.

They said they had informed police in advance about the situation. The family said it is unhappy with how the matter was handled and remains concerned about safety.

SAPS spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said Ntabethemba police rejected any suggestion that the case was dismissed because of police incompetence or negligence.

“The case was investigated and put on the court roll at Ntabethemba Magistrate’s Court,” Mgolodela said.

She said the trial had started and that police had assisted the complainant with transport to court on three occasions.

According to Mgolodela, the problem arose in February when the vehicle used by detectives to transport the complainant was in the garage for repairs.

She said the branch commander then advised the family to obtain a letter explaining why the complainant could not attend court, but the family later reported that the school principal had refused to provide one.

Mgolodela said the branch commander also went to the prosecutor a day before the court date to explain the situation.

“Unfortunately the defence requested the dismissal on the day of the court since the complainant was not there,” she said.

She added that detectives had advised the family to lodge a complaint with the senior prosecutors in Queenstown, saying any possible re-enrolment of the case would depend on the National Prosecuting Authority and not the police.

“The family should do as advised and consult the Senior Prosecutors in Queenstown,” Mgolodela said.

Questions were sent to the National Prosecuting Authority, including whether the matter can still be re-enrolled and what options are available to the family. No response had been received by publication time.

The family says it now wants clarity on what steps can still be taken to have the matter heard.