There was a spell, back in the early months of 2015, when it looked like it was only a matter of time until a certain van Breda family member ended up being tried for murder.

Then, rather strangely, it all seemed to slip out of the public consciousness and everyone moved on. We gave you a little update back in January (HERE), a full year after the horrible attack, but that was basically an illustration of how slowly the case was moving.

Well it’s been more than 16 months now, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has yet to make a decision to prosecute someone. But, according to IOL, the wheels may finally be in motion:

NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila told the Cape Times on Tuesday that Director of Public Prosecutions Rodney de Kock was in the process of making a decision.

Police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk confirmed that police completed their investigation and handed the case to De Kock, who now has to decide whether to prosecute.

Asked if he was able to relay why it took so long to make an arrest and prosecute, Ntabazalila replied: “I cannot as that depends on the decision to be made by the DPP (De Kock).”

Asked if a suspect has been identified, Ntabazalila said: “All that will depend on the decision made by the DPP.”

Make of that what you will – and what of Marli then?

[Family spokesperson, attorney Ben] Rootman said Marli has not been able to make a formal statement.

“All parties and legal representatives concerned reached an agreement that a legal curator be appointed to safeguard her best interests and to report to the high court as to the best way forward for her.

“It is anticipated that once the curator has finalised her investigations, she will make recommendations about where Marli should live and who should be responsible for the various aspects of her everyday life.

“The high court will then be asked to make its final order regarding Marli,” Rootman said.

He could not comment on Henri, saying he has been staying with an uncle in the city.

He said the family has heard nothing from the police, but believed they would rely heavily on forensic evidence.

Surely, surely, there cannot be any shortage of evidence to convict whoever was behind this atrocious attack?

For the sake of those who like to believe in justice we can only hope.

[source:iol]