Firecracker accused released on bail

Two Port Elizabeth brothers who allegedly gave a young boy a firecracker 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 on Tuesday afternoon.

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

• Tragic end to vicious prankA young Port Elizabeth schoolboy was severely injured at the weekend when a firecracker exploded in his face after it was offered to him by three young men as a "cigarette" and then lit.

They are represented by top criminal attorney Alwyn Griebenow.

Twelve-year-old Shane Witbooi 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 contact with the boy or any of the state witnesses.