THE family of a man who shot and killed a motorist during a road rage incident in Emmarentia have broken their silence.
Image: Gemini/Ai
THE family of a man who shot and killed a motorist during a road rage incident in Emmarentia have broken their silence.
In a statement issued to IOL on Wednesday, the family expressed condolences for the victim's family and said he acted in self-defence to protect his life and that of his wife.
The family acknowledged that a life had been lost but said they stood by the actions of their family member, whose identity they asked to be withheld.
"We wish to state at the outset that we are not insensitive to the fact that a life has been lost," the family said.
"A family has suffered an irreplaceable loss, and innocent children traumatised by the events are also now without a father.
"We extend our sincere prayers and thoughts to them during this difficult period."
The National Prosecuting Authority on Tuesday announced it would not prosecute the man pending further investigation.
The family said the NPA's decision had since been converted into a formal inquest following a full consideration of the evidence presented by their legal team.
"Notwithstanding that our family member acted in clear self-defence, we mention that he was not only defending his own life but that of his wife as well," the statement read.
"We believe it is important to reaffirm the constitutional principle of the presumption of innocence, which protects every person in SA.
"No individual should be judged or condemned before the facts are properly examined through lawful processes."
They thanked witnesses who came forward during the investigation.
"We take time to also send a heartfelt thank you to the men who risked their lives trying to protect us, standing at times in the direct line of fire," the family said.H
They called for the shooting to serve as a lesson about the dangers of road rage.
"We believe that the most respectful way to honour the deceased and his family, especially his children, is to ensure that lessons are learned, that road rage incidents are never allowed to escalate to violence, and that no family, whether ours or theirs, or anyone else for that matter, should ever have to endure such a tragedy."
The family said they would not be making further public comment and asked for privacy.