As emotions ran high in the court room where the suspect in the Tanya Wiers murder case appeared this morning (Thursday), one political formation was at the throat of another about permission to host a protest action.
While the case against Frans Maela was being postponed in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, the provincial leadership of the National Conservative Party (NCP) alerted the Police of protest action by the Democratic Alliance (DA) on the sidewalk opposite court being perceived to be against the law. NCP Provincial Leader Valerie Byliefeldt shared proof of the permission granted to their party and said while the DA did not apply for permission she had approached the Police to have them removed. At the time a handful of supporters was gathered opposite Jack Botes hall in Bodenstein Street, around the corner from the court building in Polokwane’s main street, in line with permission obtained in terms of the Gatherings Act.
In the meantime supporters of the Justice For Tanya Wiers grouping reportedly joined members of the NCP on the sidewalk several metres away.
Members of the Public Order Policing Unit were still in conversation with individuals on behalf of the formations outside court when concerned parties in the public gallery emerged with the news that the case had been postponed to 21 February for a formal bail application. By then the group of DA activists had already split up to move away from the spot where they initially gathered.
Maela requested legal aid prior to the bail application.
Afterwards the Polokwane leader of the NCP Eben Basson raised the question why Maela appeared without being shackled or cuffed.
Story and photos: Yolande Nel >>observer.yolande@gmail.com
and RC Myburgh >>rc.observer@gmail.com
