Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court 4 was packed as protests against the release on bail for the accused in the murder of 19-year-old Chad Arendse continued on Tuesday.
Chad, from Beacon Valley, was the drum major for the Littlewood Primary Drill Squad and the Western Province Marching Squad.
The popular youngster was attending the 21st birthday party of a friend when he was shot and killed. He was shot at 14 times.
The 22-year-old suspect, who is known to the family but cannot be identified until an identity parade has been conducted, on Tuesday wore grey track pants and an orange and white jacket in court.
Chad Arendse, 19, of Beacon Valley gunned down
He was supported by friends and family in court, who claim he is innocent.
The defence lawyer read an affidavit by the accused into record, confidently stating his client would be pleading not guilty to the murder charge.
He said his client had no previous charges or convictions, and had been friends with Chad.
He also read two affidavits into record by witnesses who claimed the suspect was inside the house and not outside when Chad was killed.
The court erupted as Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant J. Phillips, took the stand.
Supporters of Chad with their placards
He stated that the identity parade was twice postponed by the defence, who argued that he only had two people who resembled the suspect.
Phillips said the law required nine people of similar features for an identity parade to take place.
He said the suspect contacted him first after the shooting to complain of the allegations against him.
“This killing to me was senseless. There is no known motive, except a previous incident between the victim and the suspect that has yet to get on record,” the cop stated.
“The person who killed Chad must have wanted to murder him; he stood over him and fired the 14 shots.
“About eight hit his face, neck and body, while the others missed.
“Three witnesses identify the suspect as Chad’s killer,” Phillips said.
He said he was also “unconvinced” by the defence’s witnesses claiming the suspect was inside the house, as all of them placed him in a different room at the time.
SUPPORT: Outside the court
“He (the suspect) was not at the scene after the shooting. He left,” Phillips added.
The matter was postponed to 6 September for further bail arguments.
Chad was also involved in the Malay and Christmas choirs and was a member of the Pennsylvanians and Juvie Boys minstrel troupes.
Outside court, a woman screamed, saying Phillips was lying as she had told him the suspect was inside the house when Chad was killed.
Supporters of Chad’s family held up placards, calling for ‘No Bail’ and ‘Justice For Chad’.