Coligny community to appeal bail ruling
The community of Coligny will file for an urgent application to appeal the bail ruling of two farmers accused of killing a teenage boy.
That's according to the MEC of Community Safety in the North West, Dr Mokgantshang Motlhabane.
The community went on the rampage after Pieter Doorewaard and Philip Schutte were granted bail of R5000 each on Monday.
"We indicated to residents that the decision of the court should be respected, however, legal processes internally would unfold to appeal the decision," Motlhabane says.
Motlhabane says the decision to appeal was made during a community meeting.
"The State was part of the meeting. As government we must indicate that we are not happy with the decision and as a result we will appeal that decision," Motlhabane says.
Motlhabane pleaded with the community to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and allow children to return to school.
"We have made a pronouncement and we expect our community to release their kids to go to school."
However, the community are unhappy with this call.
Community leader Stanley Mnyakama says schooling has already been affected, with many pupils absent.
"Grades three, six, nine and twelve are especially affected as they are writing external exams. If teachers don't get to do their work, they will be lagging behind and that will lead to learners failing," Mnyakama says.
He appeals to residents to abide by the law.
"Stop burning people's houses, let this thing come to an end, because it will create so many problems."