AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit to seek justice for family after deadly crash on Ou Kaapse Weg

Another senseless death and concerns about the police’s continued failure to properly investigate cases of culpable homicide in road crashes has prompted a grieving family to seek AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit’s intervention. David Golding (27) died on 16 June after his vehicle was struck on Ou Kaapse Weg by a bakkie driven by Richard Tinsley, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. David died at the scene while Tinsley survived and was treated in hospital.

According to the available evidence, Tinsley allegedly started drinking late in the afternoon and moved between different pubs and restaurants, consuming alcohol. Several witnesses, including staff and patrons, together with video footage, appears to confirm the extent of his drinking, his behaviour, and his apparent state of drunkenness. It is alleged that by the time he left the final establishment late that night, he had consumed multiple drinks.

At around the same time, David was making his way home after spending the evening with friends and intended to get something to eat before returning home. The available information suggests that he was travelling home when Tinsley, having left the last drinking establishment, collided with him on Ou Kaapse Weg. David had to be freed from his vehicle by emergency personnel and later died at the scene, while Tinsley was taken to hospital, where he apparently underwent surgery.

While Advocate Gerrie Nel, Head of the Unit, acknowledges the thorough work the investigators at the Fish Hoek Police Station have done so far, he says it has become increasingly apparent that investigations and prosecutions of culpable homicide matters are often not afforded the priority they deserve. “Delays in obtaining relevant evidence not only prolong the investigation but also create the risk that circumstantial evidence is lost and memories fade. Often, this results in matters being struck off the role or not prosecuted at all” says Nel.

Golding’s parents, represented by his stepfather, Chris Burgess, Editor-in-Chief of Landbouweekblad, says he approached the Unit to ensure justice was served. “Not only for my son, David, but also for any other innocent victim who might fall prey to the same tragedy that has struck my family. I wouldn’t wish the anguish we’re going through on my worst enemy.”

Nel emphasises that it is the criminal justice system’s duty to deal with matters like this decisively and to protect society from senseless deaths caused by reckless and drunken drivers. “It is important that this matter be fully investigated, as it is the SAPS’ duty to society to deal with unlawfully inebriated drivers and thereby protect other innocent road users from a similar fate,” concludes Nel.

The Unit has offered its support, as well as the family’s full support, in the investigation to ensure that justice is done.