Siyasanga Gijana
Justice delayed is justice denied, says Siyasanga Gijana from Ramaphosa informal settlement in Philippi who was lost an eye in a drive-by shooting allegedly by police.
The incident took place outside her home in April.
She said she laid a complaint with the Nyanga police and was referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
Nearly seven months later, Ms Gijana said she has had no feedback about the case and is now looking for answers as she also has to come to terms with the loss of her eye.
“My case is not going anywhere and that worries me. I was referred to IPID and I met an investigator in May but for a short time.
He promised to get back to me but he has not. I have tried to call to find out about this case but nothing comes my way,” she told Vukani.
Ms Gijana was hospitalised at Groote Schuur Hospital after being shot and has to go for check-ups once a month.
“I am having my medication and I need to take tablets every day which I can’t see.
This is the trouble that I never invited in my life. Life has changed ever since the incident. You have insensitive people calling you names because you lost your eye. But this is what I have to live with. The only thing I am able to fight for is justice. That’s all I can do for now. I truly need answers,” she said.
Asked to comment, IPID spokesperson Ndileka Cola said: “Please note that the matter of the complainant Siyasanga Gijana is still under investigation. Suspected members are yet to be identified.”
She said the investigation process takes time. She urged Ms Gijana to allow the process to unfold and take its course.