Orlianski case to be transferred to High Court

TALI FEINBERG

“Plenty has been done on the case, and the South African Police Service has been excellent, especially the investigating officer. The case is moving, and all delays are due to the defence,” says Orlianski’s son-in-law, Daniel Witz.

Former Uber driver Tebogo Makhalemele, who allegedly caused the head injuries that killed Orlianski, was due to appear in court on 23 November. His previous appearance was postponed because his lawyer did not arrive in court. Now, it has once again been postponed until 6 December, for transfer to the High Court.

“The High Court needs to accept the transfer through the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP),” says Witz. “The transfer is because it is a murder charge, and the High Court is better equipped to handle this type of case.”

He confirmed that Makhalemele was still in custody, and that Orlianski’s family was still coming to terms with his untimely death as far as it was possible.

In paying tribute to Orlianski’s impact on the electronics industry, electronics publication Dataweek recently described how his funeral was attended by people from all walks of life, including Supreme Court judges, friends, and rabbis. “Particularly poignant is the fact that many of his company’s customers, and even competitors, also attended to pay their final respects to one of the longest serving members of the industry.”

It reported that his business, Zetech, will be continued by his wife Inna, who will take the reins of the company as per his wishes.

In a personal message, Inna said, “Zalman was a man of integrity, a brilliant engineer, a loyal husband, and a dedicated father. He will always be remembered by me and others for his laughter, and his sense of humour. I am grateful for the insights I got from him, and feel empowered to continue his legacy as one of the few female business owners in this male-dominated industry.”