Update Video
GARDEN ROUTE NEWS AND VIDEO - The Greater Knysna community is still in the process of coming to terms with the murder - or possible assassination - of Ward 8 councillor Victor Molosi, even more so after the court appearance of a prominent member of the community on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder on Monday, 6 March.
Knysna Taxi Forum (KTF) secretary Mandla Tyololo was arrested on Friday 3 August and another person of interest is being held for questioning in connection with the murder.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie has said more arrests are imminent. KTF has distanced itself from the incident since its secretary briefly appeared in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on 6 August.
At least 1 000 people marched from Concordia and gathered outside the court building, calling for no bail to be granted to Tyololo. Participants told Knysna/Plett Herald journalists that police used tear gas on the crowd during the march to court.
Watch a video below.
Waxa in community's firing line
On Sunday 5 August, Nwabisa Pondoyi reported that chanting community members, on their way back from a meeting where they apparently were preparing for the court appearance the next day, marched towards Councillor Velile Waxa's house, but were dispersed before reaching it.
Signs wielded by protesters on Monday alluded to Waxa's alleged involvement in Molosi's murder. Since the protest at the court, Waxa's home has been under police surveillance.
At least 1 000 people marched from Concordia and gathered outside the Knysna Magistrate's court on Monday 6 August. Photos: Stefan Goosen
Among the other signs carried by protesters were several calling for no bail for Tyololo. "To hell with killers" said one, while others read "No bail for dogs" and "No bail for killers".
See more photos on our sister publication, www.knysnaplettherald.com.
The public order policing unit was on scene throughout the morning, barring any protester from entering the premises.
Magistrate Zukiswa Hans postponed the matter to 15 August for a formal bail application and added that a witness in the case is currently under witness protection. Tyololo remains in custody.
During proceedings it came to light that he had previously been charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and the State opposed bail for fear that he might interfere with the case.
Taxi forum distances itself from Tyololo
Speaking on behalf of KTF, Xolani Tsese (secretary of Uncedo Taxi Association) said the forum is going to let justice run its course, and added that the forum is yet to meet with its members to discuss a way forward.
Protesters' placards didn't mince words.
"We had nothing to do with the incident. We are constantly working with the law and are not allowed to work with criminals, so in light of the allegations (against Tyololo) we think it is best to distance ourselves from him. We are vehemently against criminal activities of any kind," Tsese said, and emphasised that they are behind the community who marched to the local courts on Monday.
"We provided transport for the residents to town on Monday and assisted with transport during the late councillor's memorial service last week to show our support to the family and the community," Tsese added.
Molosi was, according to the police, shot by a single gunman on 23 July at about 22:00 near his home in Concordia, Knysna on his way home from a school governing body meeting at Concordia High School. Residents nearby have reported that it was more likely between 20:30 and 21:00.
Molosi sustained a wound to the head and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
Read a previous article: Councillor's murder: 2 suspects arrested
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