Groblersdal is on edge as the community anticipates the bail hearing of Piet Groenewald, 63, and his stepson Stefan Greeff, 27, at the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court, on Wednesday.
Groblersdal on edge: Ministers Lamola and Bheki cele to attend bail hearing
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The pair, charged with attempted murder, has ignited protests and heightened tensions between the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and local farmers’ rights group, the Bittereindes.
Ahead of the court appearance, the Ministry of Justice confirmed in a statement that the Minister of Justice and Corrections Services, Ronald Lamola, and the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, will attend Wednesday’s proceedings.
“The rule of law is a sacrosanct component of our democracy, and all South Africans, irrespective of race and background, must respect this principle,” stated Ministers Lamola and Cele.
The ministers called for calm, warning of serious consequences for anyone attempting to undermine authority as seen in last week’s fiery clashes.
At the heart of the case is an altercation involving 30-year-old security guard, Veneruru Kavari, at a mobile phone tower in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga.
The guard, an employee of Wildlife Investigation and Protection Services (WIPS), owned by Groenewald, accused the duo of assaulting him with a heavy object and setting their dog on him, resulting in injuries.
The incident reportedly began when Greeff accused the guard of being intoxicated while on duty. The charge against Groenewald and Greeff escalated to attempted murder following further investigations.
The case has polarised the local community, with EFF’s regional chairman Ali Maloba condemning the incident and criticising security companies’ treatment of workers.
In contrast, activist Willem Petzer has mobilised support for the accused among farmers, urging solidarity.
Elmarie Groenewald, Piet’s wife, has also called for community support at the court, hinting at undisclosed truths in the case.
As tensions simmer, law enforcement agencies remain on high alert, prepared to maintain order ahead of Wednesday’s court proceedings.