Double murder suspect abandons bail application

A trial date set in stone; a community praying the law will run its course.

A suspect linked to the double murder of two of the town’s most revered locals made his second appearance before the Memel Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday.

Viv and Charlotte Viviers, as well as one of their family members, Eric Oosthuizen, were attacked by two men at their home in Memel on October 20.

The family’s domestic worker reported for duty on October 21 at about 8.30am, and came across a bound, Mr Viviers.

Mrs Viviers’s body was found in the living room. Police discovered Mr Oosthuizen’s body in an outbuilding later that day. It was speculated they were strangled to death.

Mr Viviers reportedly sustained stab wounds to his legs, and was burnt with plastic on his stomach. Despite his injuries, he survived the savage attack.

One of the perpetrators was nabbed shortly thereafter, and stood before the court on November 4.

In a previous edition, it was stated the suspect’s legal team requested the case be postponed to allow for official statements to be obtained from the State.

Once the necessary documentation was sourced, the defence said they would decide whether or not to proceed with the bail application.

On November 18, the defence decided to abandon the application. In lieu of the withdrawal, the magistrate set a date for the suspect to plead his case.

The next hearing is scheduled for December 14. In the meantime, the suspect will remain in police custody.

Why do you think the suspect withdrew his bail application? We want to hear from you – email your thoughts to ncschools@caxton.co.za