Family of slain Ekurhuleni teen cries out for justice

The family of 13-year-old Pretty Mahlangu, who was killed last month during a coming-of-age ceremony Diwinddie in Germiston, is calling for the justice.

The teen’s relatives accuse the police of mishandling Pretty’s murder case.

They believe that the 68-year-old accused in the matter might get away with the crime because she has deep pockets and a relative within the SAPS.

It’s been roughly three weeks since a coming-of-age ceremony in Ekurhuleni turned deadly after a white woman drove her car into a group of young girls participating umhlonyane, a traditional coming-of-age celebration for Zulu girls.

According to the teen’s mother, the neighbours were informed about the ceremony.

Speaking to YNews, family spokesperson, Mzwandile Soyaya, questioned whether their case is not getting the necessary attention because of the colour of their skin.

Soyaya says the family also feels as though police have neglected them, as they only hear through the media or social media what is happening with their case.

He told YNews that the 13-year-old’s mother was only contacted on Friday morning that the suspect was appearing in court.

The 68-year-old made a brief appearance, and the matter was postponed to next month.

Diversity specialist, Teresa Oakley-Smith, has reflected on the tragic incident, saying she believes the suspect committed a hate crime.

Oakley-Smith says to deliberately drive into a crowd is reprehensible.

She says this tragic story just shows that South Africa still has a long way to go to get to a place of unity.

Cultural Expert, Professor Musa Xulu, has also weighed in – saying the anger that still exists among South Africans, post apartheid, has not been dealt with, hence these pockets of violent incidents.