Moms call for denial of bail
Teen in court for killing eight-year-old girl
AGROUP of Plettenberg Bay mothers yesterday demanded that a man accused of killing an eight-year-old girl from Bossiegif on the outskirts of the coastal holiday town be denied bail.
Dressed in mostly black to show respect for the victim, Sesona Bayibile, a group of residents gathered outside the court building to take a stand against violence against children.
Nolama Candani, 18, was in the dock for the second time yesterday since his arrest on December 9.
Candani handed himself over to Knysna police two days after Sesona went missing.
He showed the police where her body was concealed. She was stabbed to death.
“We gathered here today not only to honour the memory of little Sesona, but we, as mothers, in this community want to take a stand against violence against our children,” resident Soni Andrew said.
“We also want justice to be served and to ensure he [Candani] does not get bail.”
Sumeia Ndayi said she came to court not only to show support to the young girl’s family, but also to highlight the need for the safety of Bossiegif’s children. Sesona was last seen playing with friends near their home in Bossiegif on Sunda, December 7.
Candani handed himself over to Knysna police at about 6am on December 9.
He led police to Bossiegif where he revealed the spot where the body was hidden in dense bush not far from his home.
He appeared in court last Thursday, but the matter was postponed to yesterday for Candani to obtain legal representation.
The matter was postponed again yesterday to February 4 for further investigation.
Candani waived his right to a formal bail application and applied for legal aid.
The Bitou United Front – a non-partisan body which brings organisations together on a common programme – called on local authorities to address child safety in Bossiegif.
“There is no safe play area for Bossiegif children, which leaves them exposed and vulnerable.
“We want recreational facilities for children where they can be seen and play safely,” Bitou United Front secretary Thembela Mhlana said.
“Nothing can bring back the girl but we recommit ourselves to realise the right of every child to live safely with dignity.”