A sixty-eight-year-old woman faces culpable homicide charges after her vehicle struck participants during a traditional ceremony. Martha van der Walt drove through a group celebrating umhloyane when thirteen-year-old Pretty Mahlangu suffered fatal injuries. The victim's family claims van der Walt questioned why the girls walked without upper garments during their cultural observance. Relatives had notified neighbors about the ceremony and blocked the streets where the incident occurred. CCTV recordings captured the collision as participants performed traditional songs during their walkabout.
Attorney Keneil Muthray disputes allegations that his client demonstrated racial or cultural bias during the event. He maintains that van der Walt never confronted ceremony participants or questioned their cultural practices. The defense argues that social media has distorted the actual sequence of events. Muthray emphasizes that his client appreciates South Africa's diverse cultural society despite any potential misunderstandings. The legal team denies claims that van der Walt expressed disapproval of the traditional ceremony or its customs.
Attorney Keneil Muthray disputes allegations that his client demonstrated racial or cultural bias during the event. He maintains that van der Walt never confronted ceremony participants or questioned their cultural practices. The defense argues that social media has distorted the actual sequence of events. Muthray emphasizes that his client appreciates South Africa's diverse cultural society despite any potential misunderstandings. The legal team denies claims that van der Walt expressed disapproval of the traditional ceremony or its customs.
