Griesel murder accused apply for urgent bail; hearing set for Tuesday January 23 in Lydenburg Magistrate’s Court
Members of the public are expected to attend court proceedings to voice their opposition to the bail applications
The three men accused of Megan Griesel’s murder will submit an urgent bail application on Tuesday January 23 in the Lydenburg Magistrate’s Court.
Mcolosi Makama (27), Sanele Magagula (27) and Godfrey Mashile (32) are still being detained after they refused earlier bail applications.
The newspaper was reliably informed that the accused have changed their minds and wish to apply for bail. News about the applications has sparked outrage among community members, and WhatsApp groups are rallying residents to show up in numbers to oppose the accused being granted bail.
Read more: More arrests to follow after the killing of Megan Griesel in Lydenburg, according to police
A reliable source within the SAPS told the newspaper that community members have the right to oppose any bail application.
In the meantime, community activist, Emmerentia Pretorius, has asked that people attend the hearing to prevent the accused from being granted bail.
“The more people able to attend the court hearing, the better the chances of preventing them from being let out. It is vital that we as community stand up against the accused and show that we will not allow them to roam free until a verdict has been reached. It is up to us to take a stand for Megan and her family,” Pretorius explained.
Read more: Lydenburg murder case postponed; additional charge added
She said that community members are welcome to bring along the previous protest posters, used when the accused made their first court appearance.
The source said that since the heat from the community has died down, the accused have seized this opportunity to apply for bail.
Griesel was killed at the traffic circle between the Lydenburg Convenience Engen Garage and the Quest Garage on October 21, 2023, between 00:39 and 00:45, during a robbery at these garages. Both are close to The Heads Shopping Centre Complex.
The robbers apparently mistook the Toyota Hilux Griesel was driving for a security vehicle and started shooting at it. Twenty-seven bullet holes were fired into the bakkie during the incident.
The police launched a manhunt across the province to apprehend the perpetrators.
Makama and Magagula were arrested on November 1 and 2, 2023 respectively, and Mashile on November 17, 2023.
