The protesters are calling for the dismissal of the case, as they believe the suspects have restored safety in the town. The nine suspects, and six suspects who are yet to be arrested, are accused of kidnapping three males, assaulting them and leaving one victim motionless. The suspects then allegedly moved this body and buried it along the R26 road between Wepener and Hobhouse. The discovery of the decomposed body was made by the police after the four suspects took the police to the scene.

VIDEOGRAPHER: Lucky Nkuyane

OFM News previously reported the nine suspects will make their second appearance today at the Wepner Magistrate's Court. The first appearance was postponed as requested by the state in order to verify the authenticity and validity of the Lesotho nationals' passports; as among the nine suspects, two are from Lesotho. 

The prosecutor also stated that it was prudent for the state to be offered an opportunity to also verify the addresses of the suspects because it is unclear if the suspects were arrested at their residential places. However, the police are still on search for six more suspects linked to this case.

OFM News