NEWCASTLE: Residents protest ahead of Rafferty murder accused’s court appearance

Murder accused, Siyabonga Macu made a brief appearance in the Newcastle Magistrate's Court.

Residents and farm workers gather outside the municipal Civic Centre.

“We must unite and solve our problems, instead of killing each other…”

These are the words of farm worker, Simon Makhanye, who travelled with fellow farm workers to Newcastle to protest against Siyabonga Goodman Macu being granted bail. Macu is the first suspect arrested in connection with the murders of Glen and Vida Rafferty a month ago, on their Normandien farm.

Approximately 40 residents and members of the farming community gathered outside Fruit and Veg City, before moving in peaceful protest to outside the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court.

Inside the B Court, it was confirmed Macu would abandon his bail application on advisement from his legal counsel. He will remain in police custody until his next court appearance on October 29.