Kimberley - The communities of Jan Kempdorp, Hartswater and Taung have called for the death sentence to be imposed on Tefelo Dikole, who is accused of stabbing a six-year-old boy to death.
On Monday, community members packed the Jan Kempdorp Magistrate's Court while others protested outside the building during Dikole's court appearance.
He was arrested after he allegedly stabbed Kutlwano Garesape, who tried to defend his mother from being raped, to death.
The incident occurred on the morning of August 12, when the mother of two was walking her sons to school.
A memorandum was handed over to Magistrate Hendrick Strauss by community members before Dikole's appearance.
The memorandum stated that the communities of Phokwane and Jan Kempdorp were opposed to Dikole receiving bail.
It also called on the magistrate to review the law in order for the death sentence to be imposed.
Strauss said he would also forward the memorandum to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
"I realise that the community is serious about this matter and we will handle it with the necessary sensitivity. We will make a copy of the memorandum and give to the prosecutor to put in the docket so it can be forwarded to the NPA," Strauss said.
The courtroom was tense when Dikole took the stand.
Garesape's Grade 1 teacher, who sat in the gallery, burst into tears during the appearance of the accused.
The matter was postponed to next week for a formal bail application as there was no legal aid lawyer available to represent the accused.
Dikole is facing charges of murder and attempted rape and will remain in custody.
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