Family, friends and supporters of Reinbrecht Piper (21) will take to the streets of George tomorrow (October 17) to demand justice following his fatal stabbing at a McDonald’s drive-through in Courtenay Street on September 27.

According to the George Herald, the peaceful march comes amid public concern over the decision to grant bail to the two men accused of his murder and the family’s subsequent complaint to prosecuting authorities about aspects of the bail proceedings and investigation.

The march will start at Unity Park at 15:00, with participants proceeding along Courtenay Street to JP Spares before returning to the park.

The organisers have called for a peaceful and respectful gathering to remember Piper and renew calls for justice.

Justin Jafta (28) and Craig Nelson (27) were each granted bail of R1 000 by the George Magistrate’s Court on October 1. Both face a charge of murder with common purpose and remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Court grants R1 000 bail to 2 accused

The charge falls under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which sets a stringent test for bail. An accused must satisfy the court that exceptional circumstances exist which, in the interests of justice, justify release on bail.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) subsequently confirmed that it had found no grounds to oppose the applications after considering the police docket and consulting the investigating officer.

NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the State had found no evidence that the accused posed a flight risk, would interfere with witnesses or evidence, or would endanger the public.

Family queries CCTV footage handling

However, the prosecution had not viewed CCTV footage of the incident when the bail applications were heard. The prosecution and investigating officer viewed the footage on October 5.

Piper’s family has since lodged a formal complaint with prosecuting authorities about aspects of the bail proceedings and investigation.

In an earlier statement, the family said it remained committed to seeking justice for Piper and his two friends while respecting the legal process.

“For the family, this is about justice for Reinbrecht and his two friends, but also about every South African family affected by crime. Because Reinbrecht cannot speak for himself, his family will continue to speak on his behalf,” the statement read.

The family has also appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Jafta and Nelson are expected to appear in the George Magistrate’s Court again on December 3.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.