Cape Town - Angry Uitsig residents picketed outside Goodwood Magistrate’s Court calling for bail to be denied to six people - including two minors - accused of killing 17-year-old Justin Langley.
Langley was hacked to death early on Sunday, a few blocks from his house in Uitsig near Ravensmead.
It was reported he had been walking with his mother, Bridgette Langley, when he was attacked by men wielding an axe and knives.
The six suspects who were arrested appeared on charges of murder and attempted murder yesterday.
Hoisting posters that read: “Peace please”, “Stop gangsterism, stop killing our children” and “Hou op onskuldige kinders vermoor” (Stop murdering innocent children) the group chanted loudly: “We want justice for Justin” and “No bail!”
The protesters shuffled into the gallery benches of courtroom C shortly before 11am, but were soon asked to leave when the matter was heard behind closed doors because two of the suspects are minors.
Relatives of the minor children remained, while the court wascleared.
Earlier in the day, outside the court gates, Bridgette Langley wept as she described her son as a “shy role model at school and an example in the community”.
“He was never rude and had a great respect for people.”
Her sister, Janet Smidt, who was comforting Langley, said Justin was a “people’s person” who avoided trouble, adding she was “tired of all the violence”.
Langley acknowledged the support of her neighbours and relatives who were chanting and waving placards behind her. Many of them had pictures of Justin on their cellphones.
“This community stands by me… He was so brutally murdered.”
The clerk of the court said an order had been made that the charge sheet not be made available to the public because of the “sensitivity” of the information.
A candlelight vigil and a memorial service were planned at a church in the area last night, said Bishop Adam Alexander.
Alexander, who also works with the local community policing forum, said the vigil was not only aimed at highlighting the tragic killing of Justin, but also problems of gangsterism and crime in the area.
“Every week someone dies in Uitsig.”
The matter was postponed to Tuesday.
Cape Argus