EFF deputy president Godrich Gardee, father of the late Hillary Gardee, has appealed to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure there are no further blunders in the murder trial of accused serial killer Rassie Nkuna. The long-awaited trial is set to begin today, 20 October 2025, in the Mpumalanga High Court.
Nkuna, who is already serving a life sentence for a double murder and currently faces trial for another, is accused of killing 28-year-old Hillary Gardee in 2022. Her murder shocked the nation and sparked outrage across political and social circles. However, the case suffered major setbacks after it was provisionally withdrawn in April 2023 due to the disappearance of key witnesses.
Gardee expressed deep frustration with how law enforcement and prosecutors initially handled the investigation. He said the family had warned police early on that the first group of suspects arrested had nothing to do with the crime, but their concerns were ignored.
“We told them from the beginning when they arrested the wrong men, but they did not listen,” Gardee said. “This trial could have taken place much earlier if they had acted on the right information instead of stalling the process.”
After several letters from the family to the police and the NPA, the authorities eventually acknowledged their mistake and focused the investigation on the correct suspect. Gardee said that while the family is relieved the trial is finally underway, they remain cautious and hope the prosecution will handle the matter with care and diligence.
“There’s water under the bridge, but we’re hopeful that this time the NPA will manage the case properly without any disturbances,” he said. “If they fumble again, they risk being taken to court. I don’t think they want to face the same humiliation after previously arresting the wrong people.”
The Gardee family has waited over two years for justice and is determined to see the case through to its conclusion. They believe a fair and well-managed trial will not only bring them closure but also restore public confidence in South Africa’s criminal justice system.
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