Residents bay for blood at accused serial murderer, rapist's trial
Chaos erupted at the Qumbu Magistrate's Court today as hundreds of residents baying for the blood of a serial rape and murder suspect, believed to have used Facebook to lure young women, burnt tyres at the main gate of the court.
They were demanding that the 28-year-old man be handed over to them.
The man is facing charges including three counts of murder, four counts of rape and four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Police were called to disperse the crowd after some of them stoned cars and the vehicle of Mhlontlo Municipality Speaker suffered minor damages as it was leaving the court.
Another vehicle, which was slightly damaged was a state vehicle, which was driven by Luxolo Tyali, the regional spokesman of the Nation Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Nobody was injured in the incident and nobody was arrested. However, only community leaders were allowed to enter the court.
The accused abandoned bail and the matter was postponed to February 23 for further investigations.