Germiston Teen’s Family Welcomes New Charges Against Driver In Coming-Of-Age Ceremony Tragedy

The family of 15-year-old Pretty Mahlangu, who died after being struck by a car during a coming-of-age ceremony in Germiston, says they finally feel some relief as the accused faces further charges.

Pretty died while being rushed to hospital after a vehicle drove into a group of girls participating in a traditional Zulu ceremony.

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On Thursday, the accused, Martha van der Walt, appeared in the Germiston Magistrates’ Court. She is now facing charges of murder and attempted murder, in addition to the original culpable homicide charge.

The teen’s family previously expressed frustration over repeated delays, saying they had begun losing confidence in the justice process.

Family spokesperson Mzwandile Soyaya said, “I believe that steady but surely, we are heading in getting the justice for Pretty. Why I am saying, so remember we were busy crying that we want the charge to be changed from culpable homicide to murder.”

Additional Charges Bring Renewed Hope

Soyaya said Thursday’s developments came as an unexpected but welcome shift for the family.

“To our surprise today, the family and the community members, we have accepted the fact that we will live with a culpable homicide charge but to our amusement today, when we entered the courtroom, we are hearing that three further charges are being added.”

Community members supporting the Mahlangu family say they will continue attending court to ensure the matter progresses and that accountability is upheld.

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