Johannesburg - As the two farmers accused of murdering a 12-year-old boy in North West continue to spend time in jail, his body still remains unclaimed in the government mortuary.
There were no relatives for either the victim or the two suspects in sight at Coligny Magistrate’s Court when the suspects, Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte, made their first appearance on Friday.
North West police spokesman Sabata Mokgwabone said the police were struggling to find relatives of the young boy, despite widespread reports of his death.
The alleged murder of the boy has raised the ire of the local community, and a large crowd descended on the court to show their anger.
Residents earlier in the week torched various white-owned businesses as well as a police armoured vehicle. The violence increased following reports that the police had failed to arrest Doorewaard and Schutte immediately after the incident on April 20.
It took five days before the police arrested the two, which allegedly prompted the continuation of violence and the looting of white-owned shops.
On Friday, a police heavy contingency guarded the courtyard and kept a close eye on proceedings in the packed courtroom. Doorewaard and Schutte were formally charged with the murder of the boy.
Only community leaders, including local councillors, and journalists were allowed inside the court building. Journalists and those who were allowed in were barred from taking photographs, as the two farmers still have to undergo an identity parade.
The violence resulted in some veteran white businesses owners threatening to close their shops and quit the town.
A total of 14 people were arrested and charged with public violence. They have been remanded in custody and are due back in court on Tuesday. Nine others were arrested for possession of stolen goods and paid admission of guilt fines.
Drama unfolded in court when the magistrate, Mattheus van Loggerenberg, recused himself, citing security concerns for himself and his family.
He said it would not be in the interests of justice for him to preside over the matter he referred to as the “tragic death of a young boy”.
The case against the two suspects was postponed until May 9 to allow them to make a formal bail application.
Various businesses were still closed over the weekend, with some afraid of another outbreak of violence if they opened their doors.
“Hopefully we will be able to resume with business on Monday as the alleged suspects are not out on bail,” said Suzette van Staden, a branch manager at the Pep store in Coligny.