2000 Simon’s Town residents show community leader support at bail hearing

About 2000 supporters arrived at the Simon’s Town Magistrates court this morning for the continuation of a bail hearing for Masiphumelele community leader Lubabalo Vellem.

There was a heavy police contingent, with proceedings delayed slightly as the court waited for the arrival of an interpreter.

The crowd sang songs and community leaders addressed them, urging them to remain calm.

Vellem is charged with murder, attempted murder, assault with attempt to do grievous bodily harm and public violence. He has pleaded not guilty.

The state has opposed bail, saying witnesses could be in danger and the violence and toyi-toying would continue if Vellem was released.

The pretests have been ongoing for the past two months following the rape and murder of a 14-year-old boy. Since then, at least eight people have been killed in what are suspected to be vigilante attacks. Residents are protesting against criminals, drug dealers, police corruption and a lack of policing in the area.

Masiphumelele is home to an estimated 40,000 people, but does not have its own police station.

In court today, the defence argued that the state’s case was weak, but the state said it had a strong case based on eyewitness accounts.

The state said Vellem had “disturbed public order”.