The 22-year-old man charged with the murder of Mitchells Plain drill major Chad Arendse has been granted R2000 bail.
The young man, who cannot be identified until an identity parade is conducted, listened intently as the magistrate read out his bail judgment at the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
The magistrate reminded court members that a bail application did not need to include the merits of the case since it was not at trial stage.
In an affidavit read out by the accused’s lawyer during the bail application, he stated his client had no previous convictions, warrants or pending cases and had known Chad as a friend.
He also indicated his client would be pleading not guilty to the murder charge.
The magistrate said while the State had a prima facie case it would not be in the interest of justice to keep the accused in jail.
He granted the accused R2000 bail with strict conditions.
He said the accused had elected to speak up during his bail application and had a clean record.
He ordered that the accused should not interfere with State witnesses and should stay out of the Mitchells Plain area and must reside in Franschhoek for the duration of his case.
Protesters outside Mitchells Plain court.
The accused should also avail himself for an identity parade and would only be allowed in Mitchells Plain for matters relating to his case.
The matter was postponed to 22 November .
Chad, from Beacon Valley, was the drum major for the Littlewood Primary Drill Squad and the
Western Province Marching Squad.
He was attending the 21st birthday party of a friend when he was shot and killed.
He was shot at 14 times and died at the scene.
Outside court, the accused’s family rejoiced: “ Hy kom uit, dankie Here.”
Chad’s mother, Natasha Arendse, said they were satisfied because justice would prevail.