Crash victim’s family hopeful as Duduzane feels the heat
Taxi death victim’s family want closure
The family of Phumzile Dube, who died after Duduzane Zuma’s Porsche crashed into a taxi she was travelling in, has welcomed his possible prosecution for culpable homicide.
Yesterday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed weekend newspaper reports that National Director for Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams had invited Zuma, in writing, to indicate why he should not be prosecuted.
Phumzile’s brother Pedzisane Dube said yesterday his family was relieved to be given an opportunity to get closure about his sister’s death.
Four years ago, Zuma crashed into the taxi on the M1 in Johannesburg.
Despite recommendations by magistrate Lalitha Chetty that Zuma be prosecuted, the NPA refused to charge him.
“My mother refuses to be excited about the matter because we didn’t get justice when we thought we would,” Pedzisane said.
Phumzile left behind her five-year-old daughter.
“Her daughter lives with our mother. Whenever I go home to visit the family she always asks me when will her mother come and see her.”
Last year AfriForum said it would pursue a private prosecution of Zuma if the NPA gave it a certificate saying that it was not prosecuting him.
Pedzisane said the family was nervous about the prospect of what may unfold if Zuma was to be prosecuted.
“He is the son of a powerful man and anything can happen,” he said.
NPA spokesman Luvuyo Mfaku confirmed Abrahams had invited Zuma to indicate why he should not be prosecuted for culpable homicide.
“The decision not to prosecute Duduzane Zuma was taken by the DPP Johannesburg. AfriForum requested a certificate from the DPP indicating that he has declined to prosecute. The DPP referred the matter to the head of NPS [National Prosecution Service] for his views. The head of NPS engaged the NDPP, who decided to review the matter.”