GEORGE NEWS - The George Magistrate's Court was packed to capacity on Thursday 7 June at the bail hearing of a group of boys accused of murdering 15-year-old Avuye Thyuthuza. Four of the five accused appeared in court. The reason for this absence is unclear. The state and the attorney of the accused presented their last arguments as to whether the accused should be granted bail.

Avuye, a Grade 9 learner at PW Botha College, was killed allegedly by a group of boys who called themselves Milanos, not far from his home on Easter Sunday, 1 April.

The accused were represented by attorney Oliff D'Olivera, who pleaded with Magistrate Phillip Mgwebile to release them on bail as they are not a flight risk and won't interfere with the investigation.

State prosecutor Zukile Mqulo argued that there is a gangsterism problem in Thembalethu and that a number of teenage boys have already been killed in similar acts of gang-related violence. He said some of the accused have previous cases of assault and the court cannot be sure that the accused won't commit other crimes if released on bail or interfere with the investigation.

Mqulo added that the accused had been aware of several interventions made in Thembalethu to prevent the gang-related killings and stop the boys from taking part in such activities. "The Minister of Police was here, various community stakeholders and even Jub Jub was here to address learners and tell them that crime doesn't pay. However, the accused ignored these interventions and continued to take part in violence.

If these boys are released on bail, the court will be failing its constitutional duty to protect the community. I am not saying they are guilty, however, they must be kept in jail until this matter is finalised." He also pointed out that if the accused were released, they may be in danger of possible retaliation attacks.

Thembalethu people standing together against teenage murders in Thembalethu.

Mgwebile said that it is unfortunate that the matter could not be finalised on that day, as accused number five was not in court. The case was postponed to 19 June and all the accused remain in custody.

Support
Meanwhile outside court, a number of Thembalethu residents gathered in support of Avuye's family, shouting that the suspects shouldn't get bail. Some said they are tired of the killings and youth gangs terrorising the area.

Mncedisi Thyuthuza, Avuye's father, thanked everyone for showing their support.

Zukile Mqulo became the community's favourite prosecutor as he argued in court for the suspects not to be released on bail.

In another murder case involving gang violence, two boys were denied bail on Friday 8 June in the George Magistate's Court.

The two were arrested after they allegedly killed Sinovuyo Betsha (15) from Lawaaikamp, who was attacked by a group of young boys with pangas. They robbed him of his Adidas sneakers and K-way hoodie. The case was postponed to 28 June for regional court screening.

Read a previous article: Young boy gone but not forgotten

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