The identity of the man who has been arrested for the murder of Mitchells Plain hero, Chad Arendse, is being kept under wraps until an identity parade can be held.
The young man, who cannot be named or photographed in the media, made a brief appearance at the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where members of the community staged a picket.
The public, including Chad’s parents Bruce and Natasha Arendse, were not allowed inside court for the proceedings because the matter was held in camera.
More than 60 supporters of the family, including children from the Littlewood Primary School Drilling Squad, lined the street outside the courthouse, waving placards with Chad’s photo on.
Angry protesters called for the murder suspect to be refused bail
Chad, 19, from Beacon Valley, was the drum major for the squad and also a member of the Western Province Marching Squad and was known to inspire youngsters to turn away from drugs, gangs and crime.
A petition calling to deny bail was handed over to cops at Mitchells Plain Police Station.
The matter was postponed to 22 July for an official identity parade which the investigating team and prosecutors hope will secure the case for them.
Proceedings were interrupted about 11am when a man was stabbed in the court corridor, causing people
to flee into the courtroom
for safety.
Supporters of the family lined the street outside the courthouse, waving placards with Chad’s photo on it. Picture supplied
Police spokesperson, Siyabulela Malo, confirms a 21-year old man was wounded and an arrest made.
“A suspect, aged 25, was arrested and he is expected to make a court appearance [on Tuesday].”
Chad was also involved in the Malay and Christmas choir competitions and was a member of the Pennsylvanians minstrels.
He was expected to join the South Africa Navy this year, but his life was cut short when he was shot in Beaufort Street in Rocklands last month.
He was attending the 21st birthday party of a friend when he was shot 12 to 14 times in the head and face.
The motive for the killing
is unknown.
Pupils at Littlewood Primary School who could not attend the protest at court made placards and picketed at school, calling for justice for Chad.
Chad’s mother, Natasha Arendse carried a placard bearing a photo of her son outside the court. Picture supplied
Mom Natasha says the suspect was known to Chad and that the family is satisfied with the police’s investigation so far.
She says they were overwhelmed by the huge support they’ve been receiving. “I am feeling both happy and sad. The support here today reflects the type of person he was.
“My son was to join the Navy in a few months. He knew the suspect from the community. We do not know what the motive is for his murder.”