Earlier today, after being informed that the Low’s Creek Police had “lost” the docket relating to the arrest of the prime suspect in the Lily Mine arson accused, Solomon Kaizer Gwebu, it has now reappeared.
The confusion relating to the execution of justice and dealing with the suspect and his continuous disregard for the law is a disturbing reminder of the failure of our criminal justice system to protect and serve ordinary South Africans who demand justice.
Once again, ActionSA will write to the Mpumalanga South African Police Services (SAPS) Commissioner demanding an investigation into this latest bungle by the SAPS. Whether through negligence or corruption.
In April this year, ActionSA received reports of the burning and destruction of the Lily Mine families’ protest settlement at the foot of the mine where they have been camping for over two years.
Last Thursday, 29 July 2021 the Lily Mine arson accused, convicted murderer and serial criminal Gwebu and his 5 accomplices were to appear at the Low’s Creek Periodical Court in Barberton, Mpumalanga. However, Gwebu’s co-accused appeared while he was a no-show, resulting in the revocation of his bail. The court then issued an immediate warrant of arrest directive.
While we have been informed that Gwebu has been afforded a second chance to appear before court on 19 August 2021, it is a sad reality that Gwebu, who is known to have a long history of violence and criminality continues to be allowed to roam the streets free to torment his victims.
It is further intolerable that Harry Mazibuko, the official Lily Mine Families’ Spokesperson is forced to live in fear of his life receiving daily updates from concerned members of the community who have informing him of Gwebu’s threats.
It is unfortunate that the law waits for tragedy to strike before taking action to ensure the safety of victims of violence.
We must as a society continually be reminded that the Lily Mine tragedy is not limited to the affected families. It affects all of us. It is about demanding social justice in our society where each and every one of us as citizens of this nation is entitled to equal protection by the law.
Lest we forget that the Department of Minerals Resources and Energy (DMRE) report’s claims that the container is irretrievable were false. It is now a matter of fact that the container sitting just over 60m underground entombing Yvonne Mnisi, Pretty Nkambule and Solomon Nyirenda’s bodies can in fact be retrieved.
ActionSA together with our legal team will not rest until justice is done for the Lily Mine families whose plight seems not to be anywhere on the agenda of the South African government who continue to drag their feet on having the Lily Mine container retrieved.
