Ford South Africa faces a Public Relations disaster surrounding the death of Reshall Jimmy, who burnt to death, in December 2015, when his Ford Kuga caught alight. Afriforum recently announced that they will be supporting the Jimmy Family in their battle with Ford Motoring Company.
It has been estimated that since the tragedy more than 80 Kuga’s have caught fire which resulted in the recalling of 4000 cars by Ford. Renisha Jimmy, Reshall’s sister, revealed in a press conference held with Afriforum on Tuesday that Ford had offered her family a R1 million car and a charitable trust in her brother’s name, but only if they were to say that Reshall died from a gunshot wound. Ford also proceeded to say that they had “deep pockets” in a way to discourage the family from prosecuting. This is nothing other than corporate bullying by Ford and it is completely unethical.
The family declined the offer and stated they seek justice for Reshall and want Ford to be held responsible for his death. Rightly so. The justice department told the family that an inquest into Reshall’s death would be held on February 4 2019 in the Western Cape High Court. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have decided not to prosecute, however they have not issued a nolle prosequi certificate, which would allow Afriforum to prosecute, as they are awaiting the results of the inquest.
Afriforum has stated that if the NPA do not prosecute, they will privately prosecute Ford. Large corporations such as Ford cannot be allowed to use their “deep pockets” to bully families into accepting assets over justice. The truth will always prevail and I support the Jimmy family and their decision to hold Ford responsible.
