Protesters outside the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court yesterday called for bail to be denied to Melice Jacobs, arrested in connection with the discovery of frozen baby bodies.
Sitting in the dock with her legs crossed, Jacobs, 29, cut a lonely figure as photographers took pictures of her.
Dressed in a red dress, grey leggings and a black shawl, she looked tired during her brief appearance. The case was postponed to March 2 and Jacobs was remanded in custody.
Each time the door of Court B was opened, protesters in the corridors shouted “No bail, no bail”. New Brighton community leader Danisile Bhutyumpha said residents had received overwhelming support in their call for bail to be denied.
“We are going to collect hundreds of signatures and sign a petition to the court for no bail. It would put Melice’s life at stake if the court released her.
“People are angry out there,” said Bhutyumpha, adding a meeting would be called soon.
Odwa Madikizela travelled about 100km from Port St Johns to attend the case. “I wanted to add my voice to the chorus to have her denied bail,” he said.
ANC Women’s League regional convener Thandi Mdledle said anyone found guilty of killing and abusing children should “rot in prison”.
“We urge all people to assist fighting the abuse of children,” said Mdledle.
Jacobs has hired Eastern Cape lawyer Mpumelelo Notununu to defend her. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
‘No bail’ campaign mounts
Sitting in the dock with her legs crossed, Jacobs, 29, cut a lonely figure as photographers took pictures of her.
Dressed in a red dress, grey leggings and a black shawl, she looked tired during her brief appearance. The case was postponed to March 2 and Jacobs was remanded in custody.
Each time the door of Court B was opened, protesters in the corridors shouted “No bail, no bail”. New Brighton community leader Danisile Bhutyumpha said residents had received overwhelming support in their call for bail to be denied.
“We are going to collect hundreds of signatures and sign a petition to the court for no bail. It would put Melice’s life at stake if the court released her.
“People are angry out there,” said Bhutyumpha, adding a meeting would be called soon.
Odwa Madikizela travelled about 100km from Port St Johns to attend the case. “I wanted to add my voice to the chorus to have her denied bail,” he said.
ANC Women’s League regional convener Thandi Mdledle said anyone found guilty of killing and abusing children should “rot in prison”.
“We urge all people to assist fighting the abuse of children,” said Mdledle.
Jacobs has hired Eastern Cape lawyer Mpumelelo Notununu to defend her. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
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