DA Resolute in Pursuit of Justice After Estina Dairy Project Case Stricken from Court Roll

In a recent and shocking development for parties eagerly anticipating justice, the Bloemfontein High Court has unexpectedly removed the controversial Estina Vrede Dairy project case from the court roll. This has left the Democratic Alliance (DA), beneficiaries, and the broader Free State community in a state of stunned disappointment.

The DA, through Free State leader Roy Jankielsohn, expressed deep concern, stating that this outcome deals a harsh blow to the crusade against corruption. Mr. Jankielsohn emphasized the gravity of the Estina project scandal and its devastating impact on both the intended beneficiaries and the wider community. The hope that once bloomed with the promise of the project has been dashed, leaving a trail of despondency.

Despite the unforeseen ruling on 7 August, Jankielsohn affirmed the DA's unwavering determination to seek accountability. He assured that the party will exhaust every potential avenue to secure justice and restitution for the aggrieved parties. "We are committed to holding the perpetrators to account and will not cease our efforts," Jankielsohn said.

The project, which had an allocation of R342 million over three years, has been tainted by scandal. At the heart of the case are allegations that over R24 million was paid to Nulane Investment, a company linked to Gupta associate Igbal Sharma, for conducting a feasibility study that occurred between November 2011 and April 2012.

Nevertheless, there is a silver lining as the National Prosecuting Authority's spokesperson, Mthunzi Mhaga, reaffirms the state's readiness to reopen the case without delay. Mhaga conveyed the state's preparedness in moving forward, with witnesses lined up and ready to give their testimonies in court. To underscore this preparedness, the defence received digital versions of previously disclosed documents earlier this year, along with state-offered technical expertise to facilitate access.

Mhaga's assurances are vital in tempering the frustrations and potential fallout from the High Court's decision. In a country already battling deep-seated issues related to corruption and state capture, the move by the judiciary could risk further eroding public trust in the legal system's capacity to deliver justice.

The DA's Jankielsohn remains optimistic yet realistic, hoping the case's reinstatement will lead to a more favorable outcome. For him and many others, the fight for accountability and integrity is far from over, and this recent hurdle only reinforces their resolve. It's clear that for the DA and the Free State community, justice delayed, in this case, is justice denied, but certainly not justice abandoned.