Johannesburg - There was a sombre mood at the Randburg Magistrates Court in Johannesburg on Thursday morning, as friends and family of Simba Mhere and Kady-Shay O'Bryan took their seats in court room two.
Preshalin Naidoo stands accused of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving after smashing his car into the vehicle that Simba was driving on William Nicole Drive, in Johannesburg earlier this year.
The Mhere family have been outspoken about the numerous delays in the case, with speculation mounting that Naidoo would be entering into a plea bargain with the state.
The defence this morning asked for another postponement, but after discussions, the magistrate ruled that the trial would begin today. In a dramatic turn of events, Naidoo said that he no longer had representation and his lawyer went on the record, withdrawing himself from the case.
The case has been postponed until tomorrow to allow the accused to get himself a private lawyer, which means it is likely that the trial will not start tomorrow.
Speaking to The Juice before Naidoo said he wanted another lawyer, one of Simba's best friends and fellow Top Billing presenter, Jonathan Boynton-Lee says friends and family came to honour Simba today on what would have been his birthday.
We just want justice to be served
"We're just happy that the case is going ahead now. We didn't want any more postponements and we want closure for both families."
Actress Jay Anstey offers support to her boyfriend Jonathan Boynton-Lee as proceedings begin #SimbaMhere pic.twitter.com/HD0coI8skZ
— TheJuiceSA (@TheJuiceSA) October 29, 2015
As court prepares to begin, Simba‘s father sits outside in a moment of reflection #SimbaMhere pic.twitter.com/W0qSBarcMg
— TheJuiceSA (@TheJuiceSA) October 29, 2015
Valerie Mhere, Simba's sister was also grateful about the news. "I'm just happy that the trial is proceeding," while tearing up outside court, his mom Angela broke down.
"That's the harder one. Happy birthday to my son."