The Free State National Prosecuting Agency's (NPA) spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, confirms to OFM News that Pienaar's defence team has approached the High Court to appeal the bail refusal. 

On Tuesday, Magistrate Buti Mlangeni denied Pienaar bail after characterising him as a possible threat to the ongoing investigations by the police. He is charged with attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and public violence which erupted last week Tuesday, following the court appearance of the two men charged with the murder of farm manager Brendin Horner. Denying Pienaar bail, Mlangeni said while in custody Pienaar allegedly prepared people who can give evidence to exonerate him on the charges.

Pienaar and other protesters allegedly stormed the court holding cells on Tuesday 6 October. Mlangeni said these actions could have led to the escape of detainees who were in lawful custody. Mlangeni added that releasing Pienaar on bail could lead to shock or public outcry as this would be seen as the justice system endorsing lawlessness. His case has been postponed to 20 November for further investigation while he remains in custody.  

Last week, while arguing for his release on bail, his defence team brushed off the State's testimony by a leading police investigator, Tshokolo Phusholi, and labelled it as speculation. The defence further accused the State of arresting to investigate rather than to investigate to arrest. The defence added that the State does not have evidence that the accused influenced or incited the violence.

OFM News