The aggrieved family of slain Toufiq Joseph say they are disappointed in the justice system. Toufiq’s father, Ebrahim Joseph said the National Prosecuting Authority has failed to clearly communicate when murder suspect, David Forbes was to appear in court for his trial. Upon arrival at court on Thursday morning, Ebrahim and his wife were informed that Forbes had already appeared on Monday.

“We are hurt because this is disrespectful to us. Our son died at the hands of this man but we aren’t being informed about anything,” Ebrahim said.

According to some online media reports, there had been a collective understanding that the trial would take place on Thursday. However, according to the NPA spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila the family should know the dates as it is given by the presiding judge at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court. He said there is no responsibility from the NPA to notify the family of the said dates.

Ebrahim said he was concerned in the way in which the story of his 23 year old son’s death has been depicted in the media in recent days.

“Forbes has a lot of money, now you find that all these stories of the two knives in the car in which my son was shot being spread. That is irrelevant to this case. He was shot more than once by Forbes. His intention was to kill my son. Even if he should be freed here on this earth, his true judgement will be served by God,” Ebrahim added.

Toufiq was shot dead at point blank range at the Engen Garage on Orange Street on a Saturday afternoon. News of his death has made headlines since Forbes is a well-known music festival organiser.

There have been suggestions that Toufiq was selling fake tickets for one of the music festivals. Police reports of knives in Toufiq’s possession along with an alleged murder investigation involving Toufiq have all surfaced in recent days. Ebrahim added that while he sits at the grave of his son and prays for God to grant him a high place in heaven, he saves a prayer for Forbes too.

“All I want is for justice to take its place and for the state to respect us by informing us of the dates for when Forbes is to appear in court,” Ebrahim said. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)