UPDATE: Double murder suspect appears in jam-packed Memel Magistrate’s Court
A suspect implicated in the murder of Charlotte Viviers and Eric Oosthuizen appeared in court earlier today.
One of the suspects implicated in the murder of Charlotte Viviers and Eric Oosthuizen appeared before the Memel Magistrate’s Court this morning, where he was scheduled to apply for bail.
The courtroom was packed to capacity, forcing officials to bring in extra chairs and benches to accommodate the crowd. Farmers and friends from Zamani, Memel and Newcastle were in attendance.
As the suspect stepped onto the stand, a deathly silence enveloped the courtroom. Under heavy police guard, the proceedings commenced; the animosity evident in the public gallery.
The suspect’s legal representative asked for the case to be postponed. He appealed to the State to provide him with statements contained in the official docket. He will have to present the application in writing to the State before a predetermined date.
The case will be moved to Vrede Court in order for the defence to gain access to the statements. Once the necessary documentation is obtained, the suspect and his legal representative will decide whether or not to proceed with the bail application.
If the defence decides to proceed with the application, the matter will be referred back to Memel Magistrate’s Court. In this instance, the Magistrate said the application would then be heard on November 18.
The hearing will later proceed at the Memel court, as a result of the interest the public expressed in the case.
Outside the courtroom, residents wore handmade signs saying, murders must fall and in solidarity with the white society.
The Memel community extends is condolences to the family and friends of the victims, and trusts justice will be served.
“We are horrified! This is not the Memel we know,” said a resident.
The manhunt for the second suspect currently underway. Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact Memel SAPS on 058 924 8901.
Do you think the suspect should be granted bail? Email us at ncschools@caxton.co.za.
