Members of the SACP, ANC and EFF gathered outside the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court where Louis Johannes Grobler (41) appeared for a formal bail application today.

Grobler stands accused of the alleged attempted murder of two children between the ages of 10 -13 and an alleged assault on another child.

According to a state witness, Sergeant Mduduzi Mkhwanazi, one of the three minors (10), is currently in hospital and awaiting a medical operation due to the injuries sustained in the incident.

Mkhwanazi stated one of the children ran away when Grobler was chasing them with his vehicle.

“Grobler at one point got out of his vehicle and allegedly assaulted a child, inflicting bodily harm,” he testified.

He also alleged that a business associate of the accused offered the father of the victim, who is employed by the associate, R150 000 to withdraw the case and when he did not accept the offer, he was apparently dismissed from work.

He said the incident triggered race issues among residents.

He stated that he is opposing bail as this incident stirred up strong feelings in the community, and if the accused is released on bail, his life will be in danger from the ensuing hatred of locals, including members of political parties and the taxi association.

The bail hearing was postponed to Friday and Grobler remains in custody until then.