- In November last year, Lauren Dryden, a mother of two, was on her way from work in Epping, and while waiting for an Uber, she was robbed of her cellphone and shot.
- Fernando Isaacs was arrested for her murder, but was released from jail due to a lack of evidence.
- Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie has lashed out at the police over the decision.
The DA is demanding that Western Cape police management investigate the conduct of the investigating officer in the Lauren Dryden murder case.
Murder accused Fernando Isaacs was initially denied bail, but then released from jail in March due to a lack of evidence.
The mother-of-two was allegedly shot dead for her cellphone last November while waiting for an e-hailing taxi service after completing her night shift in Epping.
However, her alleged killer was released after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decided to withdraw the charges.
Now the DA has decided to take firm action against what they claim is SAPS negligence in the murder case. DA member of Parliament, Alexander Abrahams, has written a letter formally requesting a probe, claiming certain channels were not followed at the crime scene where Dryden's body was found.
"According to witnesses, Lauren's body was removed from the scene very quickly, and no road closures were enforced. Should investigating officers not ensure the crime scene is cordoned off to conduct a thorough and complete investigation? In addition, Lauren Dryden's cellphone was not investigated nor tracked," the party said.
Police revealed the case into the murder of Dryden was provisionally withdrawn. This was according to a written parliamentary question by Abrahams back in March.
Abrahams asked Police Minister Bheki Cele why the case was dismissed due to a lack of evidence collected by police.
"What are the reasons that police decided not to investigate and track the victim's stolen cellphone. Whether the police will reconsider reopening the investigation in the interest of justice for the victim, her family, and the community of Bonteheuwel?"
In response to the question, Cele said the case was provisionally withdrawn pending the investigation.
"This is part of the investigation process. The investigation is still ongoing, and the case docket must be presented to the Director of Public Prosecution on 1 April for his perusal, a decision for further instructions."
Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie said the news that Isaacs had been released sent shock waves throughout the community.
"We have had enough. This constant bad policing and broken criminal justice system has left us with no choice to insist that justice must be served."
McKenzie said the police should explain why the case did not go through the effective prosecuting channels.
"This level of policing cannot be allowed to continue, and this case cannot be allowed to go cold," he said.