Ford fires new theory

KILLED RESHALL JIMMY, SAYS KUGA MANUFACTURER Carmaker says new evidence suggests cop saw victim with head wound.

The family of Reshall Jimmy, who burnt to death in his Ford Kuga in December 2015, was shocked when Ford SA CEO Jeff Nemeth told them Jimmy had died of a gunshot wound.

They say Nemeth claimed Ford recently got new evidence about a police officer on the scene who looked through the vehicle window and saw Reshall had a bullet wound to his head.

Jimmy’s sister, Renisha, said their mother, Polly, had been “shocked” by Nemeth’s claim, because the autopsy on Reshall had ruled out the possibility of any gunshot injury.

Ford has long maintained that Jimmy’s death was unrelated to the more than 50 Ford Kugas that have spontaneously ignited and led to the recall of 4 556 Ford Kuga 1.6-litre vehicles. Ford only did the recall in January this year under pressure from the National Consumer Commission.

The corporation has been widely criticised for its slow response to the vehicle fires and seemingly unsympathetic attitude to victims.

In addition to the stunning claim by Nemeth, Ford subsequently sent a long list of documents it needs from the family, including videos of Reshall’s last 48 hours; receipts; credit card statements and cellphone records relating to his last 48 hours, his medical records for the two years before his death and permission for Ford to interview Reshall’s friends, family members and business associates about his background and activities before his death.

Ford states: “We would reserve the right to add to this list as our investigation continues.”

The meeting was arranged after text message contact between Renisha and Nemeth, because the family was concerned about what might happen to the case when Nemeth is transferred back to the US. He asked to meet the family without legal representatives and asked Renisha not to speak to the media.

According to Renisha, Nemeth said the whole matter has had a huge impact on him and his family and he promised to bring the Jimmy family closure during the meeting.

On the insistence of the family attorney Rod Montano, Nemeth gave the assurance that he was mandated by the Ford head office in Detroit to settle the matter, Renisha told Moneyweb.

She said he insisted that her mother, who is battling to deal with Reshall’s death, be present during the meeting and asked if archbishop Thabo Makgoba, archbishop of Cape Town, could attend as mediator. Makgoba is apparently a close friend of Nemeth, she said.

According to Renisha, Nemeth emphasised the role of religion in his life and that of the “Ford family”.

Moneyweb approached Makgoba for comment. He responded: “I was present in my pastoral role and as such it would not be apt to share the confessional in public. The family and Jeff are better placed. Hope you understand my pastoral obligations.”

The Jimmy family are members of the Hindu faith, but agreed to Makgoba’s presence “because I trusted Nemeth and thought he wanted to redeem himself”, Renisha says.

Moneyweb contacted Ford to confirm Renisha’s version of the meeting with Nemeth. The company responded: “Given the sensitive and unique circumstances of the case relating to the death of Mr Reshall Jimmy, and the possibility of ongoing legal proceedings, we have nothing further to add on this matter at this time.”

Renisha says she feels betrayed by Nemeth. “How could he have been able to close the matter if they now want to start investigating and how long is this going to continue?”

The family has now given Ford an ultimatum to present a proper settlement proposal by Monday night or face litigation. –