Africa-Press – South-Africa. I am living proof that the justice system has failed ordinary people, but I forgave the gangster that put me in a wheelchair for life.”
Delft community activist Sisa Makaula said it’s been six years since he was shot outside the Delft theatre, allegedly by a gangster who opened fire on rival gang members.
Makaula said he was caught in the crossfire, with two bullets hitting him.
The bullet that damaged his spine and left him permanently in a wheelchair is still lodged in his body.
Just hours after being informed that police had made no arrests and closed the case, an outraged Makaula told News24 that if he were famous, an arrest would have been made a long time ago.
He said:
“I’m in a wheelchair because the man who attacked me, who is probably still walking the streets, decided to shoot me multiple times even after he saw me hit the ground,” Makaula said.
Makaula said he remembered the incident “like it was yesterday”.
“I had high hopes that the police would catch the culprit and get justice for me, but that never happened.”
Makaula said he approached a group of boys who were sitting outside the theatre, all believed to be part of a local gang.
He said that at the time he was part of a youth group and was trying to motivate and assist young people with challenges they face.
Makaula said:
He recalled the shooter standing over him to see if he was the target but when the shooter saw Makaula wasn’t the target he ran away.
“When doctors told me I would never walk again, it was the saddest day of my life.”
“Yes, I was very grateful the killer didn’t finish me off when he stood over me, but he changed my life forever and even though it took me a very long time to accept my new life, I had to forgive him in order for me to move on,” he added.
Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that no arrests had been made and the case was closed.
The activist said the justice system had failed him.
“I have two boys who will never get to run around with their dad… but I feel like there is no need to re-open the case.
“I already have to live with the fact that I am disabled and that one of the bullets is still stuck inside of me. To reopen the case would just mean opening old wounds and I don’t want to go through that trauma again,” Makaula added.
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