The Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court was fully packed when five suspects arrested when Mama Esther’s Safe Haven was set alight on Tuesday appeared for the first time today.

The case was postponed to March 16.

The community members were not happy to hear the verdict and they started singing in the court demanding that they also get arrested with the suspects. “Take us into custody too, you cannot arrest five of us only,” they shouted.

ALSO READ:UPDATE: Five suspects appear in court for arson and public violence at Mama Esther’s Haven

According to SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Mtsholi Bhembe the matter has been postponed for further investigation.
“They are facing charges of arson and public violence, they will remain in custody,” he said.

Meanwhile, the department of Public Works says that Ms Esther Nkosi, known as Mama Esther, was illegally operating in the structure.

”The department hereby affirms that Nkosi was never granted any right to utilise the structure in Msholozi and she is not paying rent,” said Thami Mchunu, from communications in department of public works.

The community members were protesting on Monday and Tuesday saying they want a school to be built at the centre, however, the department has other plans.
“The department will consider leasing out the structure,” said Mchunu.