Nel takes on Reshall Jimmy case
Family tells of ‘relentless battle’ to get answers
DESPITE being offered a Ford vehicle worth R1 million and setting up a trust in the name of the late Reshall Jimmy, all his family wants is justice.
And justice is what the family will get, says advocate Gerrie Nel, head of the AfriForum private prosecution unit.
He said it would be supporting the family against Ford Motor Company in the case.
Jimmy burnt to death in December 2015 when the Ford Kuga he was driving caught alight while he was on holiday in Wilderness in the Western Cape.
The family said it had been engaged in a relentless battle to get answers from Ford since the tragedy.
“The criminal justice system of South Africa failed the victim in this case. The family has been waiting for almost three years for the case to be investigated and AfriForum wrote letters imploring the magistrate’s court in George to hold a formal inquest,” said Nel.
Since the tragedy‚ more than 80 other Kugas have caught fire‚ resulting in the global motoring giant recalling 4000 cars.
The National Prosecuting Authority decided not to prosecute Ford and denied the family a nolle prosequi (no longer prosecute) certificate because they were awaiting the result of the inquest.
AfriForum said it monitored and assisted with the process leading up to the announcement of a formal inquest to be held before a judge of the high court, which would start on February 4.
Nel said it was unacceptable that “international corporate bullies like Ford” saw themselves as above the law.
“We were astonished that Ford ceased all communication with the victims and during discussions made statements implying it had deep pockets.”
Jimmy’s sister Renisha said the family felt Ford led them into thinking the matter would finally be settled, only for them to hear the company now contending he was shot.
During the process there were also rumours that he committed suicide by shooting himself.