20100420
sabc

Charges against the five suspects arrested in connection with the murder of a 60 year-old grandmother and five children in Port Elizabeth three years ago have been dropped. The latest development has caused outrage in the community and left the parents of the deceased children devastated. Julia Deliwe was found murdered in her Zwide home.

Five little girls were found lying on top of each other in a full bath - all drowned. The murders shocked the community and their frustration grew with lack of progress by police in making an arrest.

Towards the middle of last year Deputy Police Minister Fikile Mbalula visited the city to speed up the probe. A police task team was formed and four suspects were arrested in August. Now the case seems to be back to square one. Police spokesperson Marinda Mills says the charges have only been temporarily withdrawn. This is in order to pursue further avenues of investigation. However, this gives little comfort for the family.

The ANC Women's League regional task team says justice was failing the families.