Update

The family, friends and supporters of Reinbrecht Piper (21), who was fatally stabbed at the McDonald's drive-through in Courtenay Street last month, are planning a peaceful march from Unity Park on Saturday 17 October to call for justice.

The march will start at 15:00. Participants will proceed down Courtenay Street to JP Spares before returning to Unity Park.

The organisers have emphasised that the gathering will be peaceful and respectful, to remember Piper and call for justice following his death on 27 September.

The planned march follows widespread public reaction to the court's decision to grant bail to the two men accused of his murder.

The George Magistrate's Court granted Justin Jafta (28) and Craig Nelson (27) bail of R1 000 each on 1 October. 

Both face a charge of murder with common purpose, which is a Schedule 6 offence. This means the accused must prove to the court that exceptional circumstances exist which, in the interests of justice, justify their release on bail, even if the State does not oppose the application.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) subsequently confirmed that it had found no grounds to oppose bail after considering the police docket and consulting with the investigating officer.

NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the State found no evidence that the accused posed a flight risk, would interfere with witnesses or evidence, or would endanger the public.

However, the prosecution had not yet viewed CCTV footage of the incident when the bail applications were heard. The footage was subsequently viewed by the prosecution and investigating officer on 5 October.

Piper's family has also lodged a formal complaint with prosecuting authorities regarding aspects of the bail proceedings and investigation.

In an earlier statement, the family said it remained committed to seeking justice for Piper and his two friends, while respecting the legal process.

"For the family, this is about justice for Reinbrecht and his two friends, but also about every South African family affected by crime. Because Reinbrecht cannot speak for himself, his family will continue to speak on his behalf," the statement read.

The family has appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Jafta and Nelson have not pleaded to the charge and remain presumed innocent until proven guilty. Their next appearance in the George Magistrate's Court is scheduled for 3 December.

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