Eersterust murder suspect applies for legal aid
“We are calling for the harshest sentence to be handed down should he be found guilty of the murder.”
The suspect in Evelyn de Kock’s murder, Clayton Andrews, has applied for State legal aid as he appeared briefly in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Wednesday.
Andrews is set to appear in court again on 24 June. He would remain in custody until then.
The 50-year-old man was arrested on Monday in Eldorado Park in connection with De Kock’s murder.
De Kock was found dead with numerous stab wounds in Eersterust on Sunday.
Civil society group #NotInMyName spokesperson Themba Masango, who was present at the court this morning, said Andrews indicated to the court that he would plead not guilty to the murder.
Masango said Andrews also indicated to the court he would apply for bail when he appears in court the next time.
READ MORE: Eersterust woman stabbed to death
“We are calling on the court not to grant bail to the suspect as we believe that he is a flight risk.
“We are calling for the harshest sentence to be handed down should he be found guilty of the murder.”
Masango also appealed to South African men to “call out” those involved in the abuse of women.
Yesterday, the Eersterust residents braved cold weather to protest against gender-based violence outside De Kock’s home.
Earlier, minister in the presidency for women Maite Nkoana-Mashabane visited De Kock’s family.
“The purpose of my visit is to express solidarity with the family and reaffirm the government’s commitment to eradicate gender-based violence,” Nkoana-Mashabane said.
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