Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Murder charge confirmed against Soweto Marathon taxi driver as Private Prosecution Unit attends court

Soundbite: Marijke Miller (English)

Soundbite: Marijke Miller (Afrikaans)

AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit ran alongside members of the Bobbies Club – the South African Police Service (SAPS) running club – in support of the family of Dezireè Du Plessis, who was struck by a taxi and killed at the Soweto Marathon last year. Thabang Ndlovu, the taxi driver, made a brief appearance in the Orlando Magistrate’s Court today, where he faces a charge of murder. Ndlovu was previously charged with culpable homicide until the unit wrote to the senior prosecutor last month (January) to argue why the accused should face the more serious offense.

Adv. Gerrie Nel and members of the unit he leads accompanied Marijke Miller and Saskia Baker, Du Plessis’ sister and mother, as well as members of the Bobbies club, including retired Major General Sharon Schutte, who led the SAPS Serious and Violent Crime Unit until her retirement in 2012. Du Plessis’ mother and father were both members of SAPS.

Du Plessis was struck by a taxi during the Soweto Marathon on 29 November 2025 after Ndlovu allegedly ignored verbal and physical warnings from traffic officials not to enter a restricted area, forcing several runners to move out of the way before he hit her. She died on 12 December from her extensive injuries.

After the proceedings, an emotional Miller said that, while it was difficult to see the person accused of her sister’s death for the first time, she is determined to see justice served. “This person took the life of someone we dearly loved, so hopefully this matter proceeds so we can ease some of the pain experienced by Dezzie’s children and our family.

“I can’t describe our gratitude for everybody that is here, that has supported us, especially AfriForum and the members of the Bobbies running club. For us as a family, we cannot do it without them, and we are grateful for them having our backs during this time,” said Miller.

Barry Bateman, spokesperson for the unit, says they will closely monitor proceedings and support the family during the criminal process. “AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit is satisfied that the police and the NPA are paying enough attention to the case, especially after the positive response to our argument that the accused should be charged with murder rather than culpable homicide.

“Thorough investigations lead to strong cases, and strong cases lead to convictions. Without convictions, the rampant lawlessness on the country’s roads will continue. The life of an innocent mother, who was participating in an outdoor activity she enjoyed with thousands of other runners, was cut short as a result of the complete disregard for the law. There must be serious consequences for such conduct,” said Bateman.

The case was postponed to 27 March 2026 for further investigation. While the accused was granted bail of R8 000, he has not paid it and remains in custody.