There was singing and chanting outside the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court on Thursday morning (August 9) as the suspect in the murder of an educator appeared in court.
SADTU members showed up in large numbers and picketed in Queen Street, demanding that bail be denied for the suspect.
Holding placards bearing messages, they sang and danced while being watched by a high presence of police and Public Safety officers.
“The suspect deserves a lengthy sentence and should not be part of society. His actions were uncalled for,” said Thomas Cebekhulu, SADTU member from Gaba Makhathini Branch.
The corridors leading to B-court were full of people waiting to get in and hear the outcome of the bail hearing.
Also read: Update: Man arrested for killing 4 people in St Chad’s, Ladysmith, set to appear in court again
Also read: 44-year-old man knocked down by car after fatally stabbing his 57-year-old girlfriend in Ladysmith
The courtroom filled up with friends and family of the deceased, as well as SADTU members, as the suspect appeared before the magistrate, Miss Malinga.
The 24-year-old accused appeared neatly dressed in white pants and tan jacket.
He stood in the box with his fingers interlocked as the case proceeded. Bail was denied and the case was remanded until Thursday, August 30, for further investigation.
After the outcome of the bail application, SADTU secretary Mr Dosolo Khuzwayo went out to his colleagues who were picketing in the street and briefed them on the court’s findings. Cheers echoed through the streets, knowing that the suspect was still being held in custody.
“We are very happy because the suspect would have influenced the witnesses. If bail had been granted, seeing him roaming the streets would’ve created anger among SADTU members and the community at large. We have lost a great and dedicated young leader who was down-to-earth and shared common ground with the organisation,” said Mr Khuzwayo.
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!
