Ford Kuga probe starts on ‘symbolic date’

THE judicial investigation into the death of Reshall Jimmy, who burnt to death when his Ford Kuga caught alight, started in the Western Cape High Court on what would have been his 37th birthday on Monday.

His sister, Renisha, believed the date was symbolic.

“It’s a sign that justice will prevail after three years of pain and torture,” said Renisha, who has been fighting the motor vehicle giant.

The head of AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, Advocate Gerrie Nel, is representing the family pro bono in the judicial investigation. In December 2015, Jimmy’s body was found in his vehicle outside the Fairy Knowe Hotel in Wilderness after emergency services extinguished the flames.

The National Prosecuting Authority decided against prosecution, saying that there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

But the family refused to give up and took their fight to the High Court.

On Monday, Ford’s legal team stuck to the NPA’s stance saying there was no evidence that the company was responsible for Jimmy’s death.

Ford’s legal representative, Andre Bezuidenhout, reportedly said Ford had been subjected to “all sorts of innuendo and media speculation”, with no solid evidence that the car manufacturer was responsible.

Renisha claimed Ford had tried to suppress evidence.

“It’s clear that they are creating countless outlandish alternate theories as to how his death occurred. They have got seven legal counsel, including senior, illustrating how they are prepared to spend vast amounts of money to avoid liability, and their attempts to suppress the relevant evidence.”

She said she wanted the rumours to be put to bed and for Ford to be held responsible for Jimmy’s death.