The seven teenagers involved in the murder of Thoriso Themane appeared in the Children’s Court in Polokwane on 14 March.
As reported by Capricorn FM News, the teenagers were denied bail. Their formal bail application was postponed until 22 March. According to the station, there wasn’t “much activity outside the court.”
The community demands justice
Instead, pupils from the vicinity gathered at the Flora Park Dam today, according to Zululand Observer. The students also bowed their heads in prayer. Reverend Jaco Putter from Turn2God explained:
“They want to say that enough is enough. They are tired of violence, murder and manslaughter.”
He explained that learners could vow to take a stand against gangsterism, bullying and violence. The reverend also added that they “prayed for safe learning at schools and for learners to speak out if they know about crimes being committed.”
Netizens in uproar
The slow progress of the case is not sitting well with members of the public, who aired their discontent on social media. One Twitter user known only as Vinee wanted to know why “they keep on postponing the case.”
In addition, Simple TK said the teenagers don’t deserve bail. He added that “they need to be sentenced, those are killers”. Allen Yuri say they don’t deserve bail.
Today we learn that the suspects who killed the child at #MondeorHigh are between 13 and 15?!!!!!!
CHILDREN.
Babies are killing babies! How does one even begin to understand this? So many cases following the Thoriso Themane murder…I can’t deal with SA news anymore.— Carla Fonseca Mokgata (@BATUKMUSICA) March 14, 2019
Adult suspects granted bail
Earlier this week, three adults connected to the case appeared in the Magistrates Court in Polokwane for their bail application. Charges against one of the suspects – 36-year-old Russia Chabangu – were withdrawn due to a lack of evidence linking him to the murder.
The other two suspects – 35-year-old Choene Maleka, and 36-year-old Albert Mothapo – were granted bail of R1 000 each.
After that, Themane’s brother Karabo says he is disappointed in the justice system. Moreover, he fears that they won’t get justice for Thoriso’s murder. He said:
