The ongoing murder trial of the man accused of killing Melissa Bianca Dale, a one-legged, homeless woman, has been met with further delays.
Dale’s body was discovered in a bush on the grounds of the Wynberg Military Base in Cape Town on June 15, 2023.
She was allegedly murdered by the son of a South African Defence Force member who lived on the military base.
Activists and community members have voiced their anger over the tragic death of a vulnerable woman in such a brutal manner.
On Thursday, the case was once again postponed in the Wynberg Regional Court, leaving activists and the public waiting for justice and more so answers about what happened and led to Dale’s murder.
The case was postponed to June 13, 2025 — just days before the two-year anniversary of the murder, due to the legal aid representation being absent in court.
Back in September 2024, the state had indicated that they were ready for trial, with at least one witness present.
However, the defence attorney requested more time, stating that she had not received clear copies of the entire docket, further postponing the proceedings to February 6, 2025.
Despite the setbacks, activists remain determined to see justice served.
Kaylynn Palm, head of Action Society’s Action Centre, expressed her disappointment but vowed to continue monitoring the case. "What happened to Melissa was horrific, and justice needs to be served," Palm said. "She was killed in 2023, it's now 2025, and we hope that there will not be unnecessary delays going forward. Because justice delayed is justice denied."
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za