Groblersdal assault: Court denies bail for accused’s safety
Corrie Pretorius (50) submitted an affidavit in court stating that he was assaulted while in custody and that his life is in danger.
POLOKWANE – The Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court denied Corrie Pretorius bail out of concern for his safety during his appearance for the alleged assault of a 16-year-old boy on June 15.
Pretorius (50) faces charges of assualt with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing of a firearm.
Read more: Groblersdal assault: Suspect to apply for bail this week
The National Prosecuting Authority’s regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi said the state opposed Pretorius’ bail, stating that his release would not only endanger his life but will disrupt public order.
Pretorius was arrested on June 16 was caught on video pointing a firearm at the boy at a food outlet at the Groblersdal Game Shopping Centre, allegedly over the use of a salt shaker.
Read more: Groblersdal man arrested in connection with assault of teen boy
“The accused’s wife opened a case of intimidation in court after the community threatened their family. The accused also submitted an affidavit that he has been assaulted in custody and that his life is in danger in the correctional service facility,” Malabi Dzhangi said.
She said the the court agreed with the state that Pretorius would not be safe and that public order will be disrupted. He remains in custody.
“The matter has been postponed to September 6 for further investigation,” she said.
