Update

GEORGE NEWS - Five youths who stand accused of murdering Avuye Thyuthuza (15) were denied bail in the George Magistrate's Court On Monday morning, 19 June.

The court heard that Avuye was stabbed 10 times near his home on Easter Sunday, 1 April, by a group of boys who call themselves the Milanos.

Magistrate Phillip Mgwebile emphasised that some of the accused have previous cases of assault with the intent of causing grievous bodily harm and that, instead of learning from their mistakes, they escalated to a more serious criminal offence of murder. He therefore was of the opinion that the accused might be a danger to society and might interfere with the investigation of the case.

Mgwebile also said that the witnesses are known to the accused as some attend the same school, and in allowing bail the court would be failing in its duty of protecting witnesses from possible danger as they are likely to be intimidated by the accused.

He also alluded to the possibilities of vigilantism if the state fails to keep the accused in custody, as vigilantism is generated by the court's failure to successfully convict criminals. To protect the accused and prevent vigilantism, the court has a duty to perform.

There was a sombre mood in court while Mgwebile was reading his verdict. The families listened attentively with mixed emotions. After the reading of the verdict, the mother of the deceased started weeping out loud in court. She had to be calmed down and escorted out by family members.

The case was postponed to 10 July for Regional Court screening.

Speaking outside court Avuye's father, Mcedisi Thyuthuza, said although this doesn't mean conviction, they are happy the five have been denied bail. 

"We thank everyone for their support, all the people of Thembalethu who have been with us all this time. We hope they will also give support to other parents who have experienced what we have been through. We have faith in our courts that justice will prevail," said Thyuthuza.