The man accused of murdering 16-year-old Wayne van der Byl abandoned his right to apply for bail in the Douglas Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
A MURDER accused, Brandon Smith, 30, who appeared in the Douglas Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for the murder of 16-year-old Wayne van der Byl, has abandoned his right to apply for bail.
Community members picketed outside the court building, insisting that Smith remain behind bars, as a formal bail hearing was scheduled to take place on Wednesday.
They indicated that Van der Byl died on the scene after he was stabbed five times with a knife on July 17 while he was sitting with a group of friends.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said Smith abandoned his right to apply for bail.
“The matter was remanded as the investigations are ongoing,” said Senokoatsane.
He added that the docket would be forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for a decision.
“The outcome of the decision will determine which court will handle the matter, as it might be transferred to the Northern Cape High Court for trial.
“The accused will remain in custody until his next court appearance.”
