Voortrekker Street has been the center of activity since 09:00 today as residents gathered outside the Ottosdal Magistrate’s Court in support of the suspects. Only friends and relatives were allowed inside the court. OFM News learned that five suspects arrested on Thursday have been denied bail and will appear again in court next Tuesday.

North West police spokesperson, Sam Tselanyane, confirmed that the nine suspects arrested on Wednesday have been granted bail and their case will be postponed until 20 August 2019. Zwelinjane Welemane, who spoke to OFM News after the incident, said he is dissatisfied that unemployed people are expected to pay such a hefty price. Disgruntled residents declined to speak to OFM News after hours of waiting outside the court.

OFM News has further reliably been told that other suspects could not afford to pay bail. It is alleged that only three people paid their bail thus far. There is a heavy police presence in the area.

OFM News/Joba Matsheng