Coligny burns with rage after men accused of killing teen are granted bail

09 May 2017 - 08:33 By BOITUMELO TSHEHLE
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ON TRIAL: Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte, accused of murdering Matlhomola Mosweu, 16, at their bail hearing in the Coligny Magistrate's Court yesterday. They were each granted R5000 bail. Violent clashes erupted in the northwestern farming community after the teen's death.
ON TRIAL: Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte, accused of murdering Matlhomola Mosweu, 16, at their bail hearing in the Coligny Magistrate's Court yesterday. They were each granted R5000 bail. Violent clashes erupted in the northwestern farming community after the teen's death.
Image: MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP

Racial tensions escalated in Coligny in North West after two white men accused of killing a 16-year-old black boy were released on bail of R5000 each yesterday.

Residents and the boy's parents were furious at the release of Pieter Doorewaard, 26, and Phillip Schutte, 34, who have been charged with the murder of Matlhomola Mosweu.

After the court adjourned, public order police struggled to maintain order. Hundreds of black protesters set light to a house belonging to a white farmer near the Coligny Magistrate's Court.

"We are going to burn all the shops and farms owned by white people in the area," they shouted.

There was no one at home at the time of the incident but the owner arrived shortly afterwards with a group of friends.

The men allegedly assaulted photographers who were taking pictures of the burning house.

  • ‘I have a problem with whites who practice white superiority’ – North West premier tells Coligny funeral goersNorth West premier Supra Mahumapelo led an outrage against racism in his province on Sunday during the funeral service for 16-year-old Matlhomola Mosweu who was allegedly brutally killed in Coligny‚ for apparently stealing sunflowers.

New Age photographer Mpho Bilwane, who witnessed the alleged assault, said the group attacked them, accusing them of having known residents were going to burn the house down.

They were escorted off the property at gunpoint. "One of them pointed guns at us and said they did not want cameras," Bilwane said. The arrival of a police Nyala ended the confrontation.

Shortly after this a boy was shot in the leg, allegedly by one of the farmers.

Residents pelted police with stones, accusing them of allowing "white men to walk around with guns, shooting people".

  • Coligny murder accused have no means to evade trial‚ court findsThe two men accused of the murder of a teenager in Coligny‚ have put out a case that may be sustained during trial‚ the Magistrate’s Court has found.

Police spokes-man Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said no one had contacted the police to open a case of assault.

North West public safety MEC Mpho Motlhabane pleaded with black and white communities to accept the court's decision.

"We have beefed up security in the area and believe we will be able to calm the situation down," he said.

Meanwhile, Mosweu's parents wept uncontrollably after the bail ruling and had to be treated at a local clinic.

Mosweu's father Sakkie Dingake said: "What about my son? Why? Why? I am hurt. This is not fair. The law favours white people and those who have money."

Mosweu died on April 20 after he had been caught picking sunflowers. The accused allege he jumped off a moving bakkie when they were taking him to the police station. He later died in hospital.

The regional National Prosecuting Authority's Frank Lesenyego said the state would be ready to lead evidence when the case resumed on June 26.

- Sowetan

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