Two accused, aged 18 and 15 , appeared for the first time in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on charges of murder and kidnapping following the deaths of a 21-year-old and a 16-year-old.
Due to one of the accused being a minor, their names cannot be published.
The Incident
The case relates to an incident on 24 February at the Dumping Site informal settlement in Randfontein, where gang violence allegedly erupted.
Both accused are alleged to have assaulted the victims with sticks.
The Arrests
The accused were arrested after their parents handed them over to the police on 20 March.
The Court Appearance
“The NPA remains committed to ensuring justice is served and that those responsible for violent crimes are held accountable before the courts,” said Magaboke Mohlatlole , spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The matter was postponed to 13 April to allow the accused to obtain legal representation and for a date to be set for a bail application.
The Bottom Line
A 21-year-old beaten to death. A 16-year-old thrown into a mine shaft. Two teenagers arrestedone just 15 years old.
Their parents handed them over to police.
The court will reconvene. Justice will follow. But two young lives are already lost.
