Kimberley - The bail application of the Kathu man who is facing a charge of murder and three counts of attempted murder after allegedly running over a group of young men with his bakkie in what is believed to be a racially-motivated attack, will continue in the Kathu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Community members on Monday packed the court gallery to listen to the bail proceedings of Harry Kotze, 38, following an incident that claimed the life of 20-year-old Elcardo Crew and landed Eshric Molino, 19, in the Gariep Mediclinic.
Community members claim that the incident was racially motivated and urged the court not to grant the accused bail.
Kotze allegedly deliberately drove into Crew and Molino and two of their friends, Liam Cloete and Convin Jager, with his bakkie on October 14, 2017.
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Crew was killed, Molino was admitted to Gariep MediClinic where he underwent surgery.
Cosatu provincial chairperson Zamani Matiso, who also attended Monday’s court proceedings, called for justice for the young men.
“This man allegedly chased four African youngsters with his bakkie and killed one of them. The injuries these youngsters endured is a sign that this man had direct intent to kill the youngsters. We cannot have such racist people out on the streets,” he said.
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Matiso said that cases like this needed greater coverage by the media.
“Matters involving white people attacking and killing African people does not get much media coverage. However, cases involving Africans attacking and killing whites are always reported. The media must not be selective when reporting on these matters. The reports must also clearly state that they were racially motivated and not just merely say it was a murder. We need to expose racism and name and shame those who are involved,” he said.
Matiso added that Cosatu will continue to support the affected families by attending court cases.
“We will ensure that justice is served. We must bring hope for those who are suffering under racist circumstances,” he said.
The matter continues in Tuesday.