UPDATE – 22 July 13:23
Make sure to follow the latest court proceedings HERE
UPDATE – 21 July 16:22
At the time of publication, the state prosecutor and state witnesses were still conducting the case against the accused’s bail application.
Once this has been done, the accused’s case in favour of his bail application will be presented by his legal team.
Highvelder will be in court to report on these proceedings throughout to fairly and accurately portray the court proceedings as it happens.
The bail hearing will resume on 22 July.
UPDATE – 20 July 15:47
The bail hearing is postponed to July 22, the accused is to remain in custody.
Court in session for formal bail application of Ermelo Farmer
UPDATE – 20 July 12:19
According to a state witness, Sergeant Mduduzi Mkhwanazi, one of the three minors (10), is currently in hospital and awaiting a medical operation due to the injuries sustained in the incident.
Mkhwanazi stated one of the children ran away when Grobler was chasing them with his vehicle,
“Grobler at one point got out of his vehicle and then assaulted a child inflicting bodily harm,” he alleged
He also alleged that a business associate of the accused offered the father of the victim, who is employed by the associate, R150 000 to withdraw the case and when he did not accept the offer, he was apparently dismissed from work.
“This incident triggered race issues amongst residents,” Mkhwanazi said
He stated that he is opposing bail as this incident stirred up strong feelings in the community, and if the accused is released on bail, his life will be in danger from the ensuing hatred of locals, including members of political parties and the taxi association.
Large showing in courtroom where proceedings are about to get underway
UPDATE – 20 July 11:21
The court is now sitting. The reporter for Highvelder is present in the courtroom and will update readers on the developments.
The courthouse is packed with onlookers, members and representatives of political parties and the family of the affected children.
Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga condemns incident on Ermelo Farm
UPDATE – 20 July 10:42
Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the provincial commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, has denounced the alleged attempted murder of two children as well as an alleged assault on another youngster, which has caused some tension in the Ermelo community.
“We urge members of the public not to take the law into their own hands but they should instead report crime to the authorities. Be that as it may, for now let us allow the law to take its course as the matter is in the hands of court. We are thankful that police were able to make a swift arrest. We hope that justice will be served for the three victims” the General said.
VIDEO – Protesters picket outside Ermelo Magistrate’s Court where farmer will appear
20 July 09:56
ERMELO – Members of the SACP, ANC and EFF have gathered outside the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court where Louis Johannes Grobler (41) will appear today for formal bail application.
Grobler stands accused of the alleged attempted murder of two children between the ages of 10-13 and an alleged assault on another child.
In the interim, while everyone waits for the proceedings to start, there is police present and all seems calm.
ALSO READ: Ermelo farmer accused of attempted murder of children
The area in front of the court has been cordoned off by police, and no vehicles are permitted within.
Highvelder is currently at the court and will keep readers updated on the proceedings.
