Outraged residents intend to return to the Britstown Magistrate’s Court in their numbers next week when the accused who was arrested in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Marlene Riempies may apply for bail.
RESIDENTS intend to return to the Britstown Magistrate’s Court in their numbers next week when the accused who was arrested in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Marlene Riempies may apply for bail.
A petition was handed over to the State prosecutor on February 14, as the community wants the accused to be kept in custody until the trial is finalised.
Outrage has been expressed over the brutal murder, where residents claimed that the deceased could have been raped before she was killed.
“Her half-naked body was found, where her underwear was removed and her shoes were lying a distance from her,” said the residents.
“When they found her body, her one eye and mouth was open.”
Residents indicated that the deceased and her twin sister apparently attended a traditional doctor’s ceremony and later visited a pub on February 11.
“The deceased’s sibling left her at the pub and went home. She was woken up at past 6am on February 12 by the police, in order to identify her sister who had been murdered.
“The women of Britstown are deeply hurt over what happened. Let Marlene Riempies’ rest in peace while justice unfolds.”
They added that the deceased’s twin was left severely traumatised.
“The entire community has been shaken to the core and we want to send out a strong message that we will not tolerate violence against women and children.”
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said the Britstown police were investigating a case of murder after the body of a 17-year-old girl was found near the Britstown train station.
“The incident allegedly happened on February 12, at about 4am. The police arrested the deceased’s alleged boyfriend in connection with the murder,” said Kock.
He indicated that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the cause of death and whether she had been raped.
Anyone with information is requested to call Detective Sergeant Phillip Setlogelo on 082 448 3455.
“The investigation continues,” Kock added.
The regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the 23-year-old accused had not yet pleaded to the charges.
“He is facing a charge of murder although additional charges might be added as the investigation progresses,” said Senokoatsane.
He added that the community marched to the court to hand over a petition on February 14 when the accused made his first court appearance.
“The matter has been remanded until February 24 for a possible bail application in the Britstown District Court. The petition will form part of the docket.”
The Northern Cape Moral Regeneration Movement condemned the incident, which took place following the launch of the 100-day challenge against gender-based violence.
Northern Cape Moral Regeneration Movement deputy chairperson Gregory Nyongane said the campaign aimed to change the behaviour of young people and to prevent moral decay.
“We challenge the justice cluster, churches, security and law enforcement agencies to focus their energy and resources on finding solutions to prevent femicide and crimes against vulnerable groups. Moral values start with individuals who take a stand against crimes of this nature,” said Nyongane.
He said a rapid response team was established by 60 non-governmental organisations and government departments to reduce gender-based violence and women abuse in the Province.
Ngonyane also called for stricter policing with regards to dealing in drugs and foreign nationals who were operating as drug lords.
“We are not xenophobic but we cannot allow crime-fighters to be attacked by drug lords. We cannot fold our hands when nothing is done after reports of drugs are reported to the authorities. Santa, Tambo Square, Roodepan, Galeshewe and the taxi ranks need to be patrolled for the possession of drugs. Enough is enough – the community starts to take the law into their own hands when they lose confidence in the state.”
