Assault suspects released

Update

GEORGE NEWS - The case of the two men arrested on assault charges, who were to appear in the Thembalethu Magistrate's Court on Thursday 6 January, was not enrolled and both suspects were released.

This follows after a group of Thembalethans from the Robben Island informal settlement picketed in front of the court on Wednesday night and yesterday morning to demand their release.

A spokesperson for the group, Mzimkhulu Mabozo, said the two men (29 and 30 years old) were being accused of assaulting an alleged rapist that lives in Robben Island.

"We do not want the man to live in our area and we want to know for sure that he had appeared in court before he was released," said Mabozo.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies confirmed the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect on a charge of rape.

"(His arrest) follows after an alleged violation of a victim at Zone 6 on 29 December. The accused was scheduled to appear in court on 4 January. Furthermore, it is alleged that a group of people threatened and assaulted this suspect. They also damaged his property. The case led to the arrest of two suspects on charges of assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property."

Spies said, "Eden Cluster Police Management strongly condemn the unlawful actions and vigilante attacks which could have serious consequences. Vigilante attacks as well as unlawfulness will not be tolerated. We urge the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. The police will not hesitate to take decisive action against persons involved in vigilantism. Investigators should be given the necessary space to investigate any matter without any fear, favour or prejudice. Those found on the wrong side of the law will be arrested and brought to book."

On Wednesday night, reinforcements from the Public Order Police were dispatched to the station when the group had gathered in front of the court building at about 20:00. They dispersed peacefully at about 22:00.

Women were among those who voiced their dissatisfaction.