KNYSNA NEWS - Gevandre Jantjies (30) appeared unshaken by the crowd that packed the gallery and corridors at the Knysna Magistrate's Court on Friday 13 March, when he appeared for the murder of Knysna SuperSpar employee Marcia Kleinbooi (45).
According to Knysna police, Jantjies was arrested for the murder of Kleinbooi in her house in Kanonkop, Concordia on Sunday 8 March.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies said, "A preliminary investigation into this case revealed that the victim and the suspect had an argument when he stabbed her with a knife. She sustained a stab wound to the neck and died on the scene. The accused, Gevandre Jantjies, was later arrested, at his residence, on a charge of murder," he said.
As Jantjies appeared in court, scores of Spar workers including managers, as well as members from anti-crime organisations protested outside the court calling for the judicial system to refuse bail to Jantjies. The angry protesters who were carrying placards filled the courtroom while others had to stand outside in the corridor.
Jantjies appeared in the dock before he went back to the holding cells while the court studied his docket. He was called again after three cases were called and his case was postponed to 18 March for a formal bail application.
The crowd outside tried to take pictures of Jantjies but were stopped by a police officer stationed outside the court.
The deceased's mother Anne Hetjies (74) said she was disappointed with the proceedings in court. "I want him to not be granted bail and be kept in custody. My child was killed and I have to look after her two children at my age," she said.
Some of the placards carried by the crowd read "Love us, don't kill us", "No bail", "He must rot in jail" and "Stop the violence against women and children".
Knysna United chair Ralph Stander said they attended court to show their support for the deceased and her family. "For too long, women and children have been killed by men and we came here to say enough is enough. We are calling on the death penalty to be reintroduced to stop these barbaric acts," he said.
The civil movement's secretary Avril Terblanche echoed Stander's words and called on the police to do their job properly in order to secure convictions for those who abuse women and children.
On Wednesday, 18 March, the bail application was yet again postponed due to the accused's legal representative being ill. The next hearing is on Tuesday 24 March.
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
