Bikers and residents march against GBV in Eldorado Park
Motorcycle clubs and grieving families called for justice for murdered women and urged authorities to oppose bail for the suspects in Laurelle Mario’s murder.
The Chosen Ones Motorcycle Club (COMCC) joined hands with local residents, fellow biking clubs and grieving families for a motorcycle parade and peaceful march against the recent killings of women in Eldorado Park, Ekurhuleni and across the country.
The march started at the BP Garage in EXT 3 and proceeded to the Eldorado Park Police Station on October 10.
Demonstrators carried photographs of Laurelle Mario, a 38-year-old mother who was hijacked and murdered in Eldorado Park on August 24. Police arrested three suspects in connection with her murder on September 21.
The matter is before the Protea Magistrate’s Court, where the suspects are scheduled to appear on October 13 for a bail hearing.
Mario’s sister, Kezli Walker, joined the march to demand justice and call for an end to gender-based violence (GBV).
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“We are just out here making a noise about GBV violence,” said Walker. “This was just a call to say, we are not going to go quiet. Our women need to be respected. They must stop being killed. And this is why we’re out here today.”
Walker said the family felt relieved when arrests were made following a previous protest, but attending court proceedings remained painful.
“With regards to the arrest, we were happy that there was some sort of action on the case. It’s very emotional even though we know that they have been arrested. They will never bring back our loved one, but we need to make sure that justice is served for her.”
Recalling previous court appearances, Walker said the first appearance was to place the matter on the court roll, while the second was delayed because of missing dockets, which the investigating officer later added.
During a subsequent appearance, the main suspect denied killing Mario, claimed his life was in danger and requested a separate cell while representing himself. The matter was further delayed when the other two suspects sought legal aid.
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“So we appear on this October 13 for bail because they applied for bail. So we will all know whether their bail is going to be opposed or not,” Walker added.
Bikers unite for no bail
COMCC president Julills ‘Majula’ Rutters stressed that motorcycle clubs across various townships were stepping up to oppose GBV and demand that perpetrators remain behind bars.
“It is our responsibility to take charge and to look at how we can save our women, our girls, our daughters, our grandchildren,” said Rutters.
“We have to be in support because what we see here is we are looking for justice. Those ladies that were brutally murdered that’s not what we stand for as men. We have to come out and protect our women.”
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Addressing the common misconception about bikers, Rutters dismissed the idea that they were ruthless.
“That is a myth. We are not ruthless gangsters in a motorcycle fraternity. We are here to stand together and to keep the peace and love one another, honour one another, respect one another, and that’s what we stand for as bikers.”
Rutters issued a direct plea to men across the country to protect their loved ones and called for strict court action.
Women are not alone
Bafana Mogale, commonly known as ‘Tinfoil’ from the Hood Rats Biking Club, echoed these sentiments, saying that being a father of two daughters had inspired him to take part.
Mogale said what was happening in the country was unacceptable.
“All of us in one way or another, we need to raise the message, shout, scream, drive these engines, make the noise to say we will not stand for this. We stand together united with the families that lost loved ones. They are not alone. We are with them.”
Sending a strong warning to those who perpetrate violence against women and children, Mogale added:
“The law needs to take its course. But I mean, commonly in custody they say your day will come. Even in our prison systems, there’s a code that they live with inside, and one of the things you do not do is to touch women and children.”
