THE BATTLE to curb women and child abuse in KZN continues to be a priority for the department of community safety and liaison.
The department, led by MEC Willies Mchunu, organised a massive peaceful protest to persuade the Umzimkulu Magistrates Court not to grant bail to a young girl’s alleged murderers.
Hundreds of residents armed with placards chanted slogans outside the court on Tuesday.
The two 21-year-old suspects were arrested in December for the murder and abduction of
a seven-year-old girl from the area.
The girl was allegedly abducted from her home and her mutilated body was found abandoned in a deserted house the following day.
Chairman of the Community Policing Forum Mveliso Nohlaba said the protest sent a clear message to criminals that communities are sick of their evil deeds.
“We are appealing to our courts. Don’t let thugs out on bail. They come back and terrorise our communities,” said Nohlaba.
The bail hearing was adjourned until Monday when two more witnesses will be heard before a decision on the suspects’ bail is made.
The department’s spokesman Sipho Khumalo confirmed that the protest was organised by his department.
“This is part of our initiative to mobilise communities against abuse,” he said.
A relative said that the suspects must not be granted bail.
