4 released from custody after protests

Update Video

MURRAYSBURG NEWS & VIDEO - Four out of 14 men were released from police custody after briefly appearing in the Murraysburg magistrate’s court on Thursday afternoon.

The magistrate said in court the investigating officer would oppose bail.

The formal bail hearing to 10 of the accused will be on 23 August.

Andile Sopete was released on bail for charges relating to aggravated assault.

Sopete, a municipal worker, was taken into police custody on Wednesday afternoon for allegedly attacking the protestors.

On the same day, Sopeta was released by the police, but due to public uproar, was taken back into police custody until he appeared in court.

The Advertiser had been in contact with various police spokespersons surrounding the arrests, however no statements were received.

A video that is circulating in Murraysburg and on social media implicates Sepato in a stabbing action.

Three other men, Harry Bates (49), Ivan Gramer (40) and Pillipes Goeieman (40) was released from police custody after they appeared in court.

The three men were discharged with signed release documents from the police saying that they could not be linked to the outbreak in violence during the service delivery protests.

Watch a video below:

The ward councillor for ward 1 in Murraysburg, October Harvoor addressed the community at the community hall after the three men who were wrongfully arrested, were released from police custody.

Harvoor said the community’s pleas are falling on deaf ears.

“There are grievances that needs to be resolved with the Beaufort West municipality. The mayor must come and give us the answers that we want,” said Harvoor.

Ivan Gramer, Phillipes Goeieman and Harry Bates outside the Murraysburg police station with their release reports. Photos: Jason Milford