Bail denied in Jonas vigilante killing case

KNYSNA NEWS - Bail has been denied for the four suspects linked to the vigilante-style killing of Athinkosi Jonas (28) of Nekkies.

The suspects - three men and one woman - appeared in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on 11 September, where the court ruled they would remain in custody.

Jonas' body was discovered in the Nekkies area with multiple injuries on 1 August. He was declared dead on the scene. All four suspects were arrested later that same day and made their first court appearance on 4 August.

The bail hearing faced several delays after one of the suspects, identified as accused number 2, unexpectedly applied for bail at the last minute, following earlier applications by the other three. This led to repeated postponements before the matter was finalised.

During the hearing, the State presented a petition signed by community members opposing the suspects' release.

The petition cited concerns over possible intimidation and unrest should the four be granted bail. The court ruled in favour of public safety, ordering that the suspects remain behind bars.

The case has drawn significant attention in the Knysna community, where residents have condemned the apparent act of vigilante violence and called for justice for Jonas.

The suspects will remain in custody pending further investigation and their next court appearance.

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