Lawyer AWOL as death penalty looms over client

Joina’s unexplained absence from court forced Tafa to postpone the session to September 14, a decision met with visible disappointment by family members who travelled great distances hoping to finally see justice in their relative’s death.

Last month, Tafa convicted Tshiamo Kgalalelo and Mmika Mpe for abduction, robbery, murder, motor vehicle theft and arson. In a well publicised incident, they strangled their former employee, Reinette Vorster before burning her body inside her car. The incident took place on January 30, 2014.