Protest songs as farmers seek bail
TWO farmers accused of killing a 12-year-old boy appeared briefly in the Coligny Magistrate’s Court in North West Province yesterday.
The case against Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte was postponed to May 9, for formal bail application.
The two are accused of killing a 12-year-old boy in Coligny on April 20.
The boy died after allegedly jumping or falling from a bakkie driven by one of the farmers.
The men had allegedly put the boy on the bakkie after accusing him of stealing a sunflower from their field. They intended taking him to the police station, but he allegedly fell or jumped from the bakkie when it slowed on a curve in the road.
The death of the as-yet-unidentified boy sparked violent protests that left a trail of destruction in the small, maize-producing town.
Three three houses and three trucks were torched during the protests.
Yesterday, the two accused entered the court handcuffed and their heads covered with hooded jackets.
Through their legal representative they asked the court that the police allow their relatives to bring them blankets in the police holding cells where they are being kept in custody as it was too cold for them.
Magistrate Wikus van Loggerenberg postponed the case and recused himself from hearing the matter, citing the interests of justice and for the safety and security of himself and his family as a residents of Coligny.
A new magistrate would hear the bail application on May 9.
Outside the court, residents of Tlhabologang sang liber- ation songs and waved placards calling for the accused not to be granted bail.
Access to the courtroom was given only to journalists, community leaders and religious leaders due to its small capacity.
The mayor of Ditsobotla, Daniel Buthelezi, and five North West MECs attended the proceedings. North West Community Safety MEC Mpho Motlhabane said the situation was under control, despite community members protesting outside court. – ANA