Alleged racial attackers denied bail

Groblersdal

Piet Goenewald (63) and his stepson, Stephan Greef (27), were denied bail by the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday 12 February 2024.

The suspects were making their third court appearance after they were charged with assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). The duo is accused of a brutal assault of a Namibian national, Veneruru Kavari and later setting a dog on him in an incident that occurred last month.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi-Dzangi, said the duo was not granted bail after the court learned that Groenewald has previous convictions and there are possibilities that he can interfere with state witnesses.

“The court heard that the complainant was kidnapped with a bakkie belonging to security company of the accused and he was brought back to Groblersdal. The complainant was also told to tell the police that he was not kidnapped. The court decided that there is likelihood the accused can interfere with state witnesses,” she said.

Malabi-Dzangi said the case was postponed to 11 March 2024 for another bail application.

The ANC in Sekhukhune Region, who were attending in numbers during the court proceedings to oppose bail, said they welcome the ruling.

“The ANC strongly believes that the decision of rejecting the bail application remains in the interest of justice and re-affirmed the rule of law in defence of the gains of our democracy. The ANC shares same sentiments with Magistrate Masimene that this high-profile case needs to be handled by the senior police officer and highly experienced prosecutors. The ANC applauds the investigating officer and the prosecutor under circumstances,” said ANC Secretary in Sekhukhune Region, Tala Mathope.

He said the party calls for peace loving residents of Groblersdal especially white people to join the progressive forces through actions in condemning barbaric incidents of racism.