'Exploding cig': Two in court

Two Port Elizabeth brothers who allegedly gave a young boy a firecracker under the pretext it was a cigarette and told him to light it - causing it to explode in his face - have been released on R500 bail each following a brief appearance in the city's magistrate's court yesterday.

Sebastian and Demane Pillay, 27 and 25 respectively, face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

They are represented by top criminal attorney Alwyn Griebenow. Shane Witbooi, 12, was severely injured during the incident on Sunday.

The case was postponed to March 13 for further investigation. The men were also warned not to have any contact with the boy or any of the state witnesses.