KNYSNA NEWS - Former ANC Knysna sub-regional chair and former Knysna Municipality councillor Winile Joyi was released on warning on Friday 15 January after spending two nights in police custody for allegedly assaulting a close relative aged 12.

Joyi was arrested last Wednesday for the alleged assault on 1 January and he appeared before Magistrate Leonore Swarts.

Joyi was represented by a Legal Aid attorney and the state did not oppose bail.

Swarts released Joyi on warning and told him not to be in contact with the complainant. When asked if he had an alternative address, Joyi told the court that he has been living in a separate house since December last year and will not be in contact with the complainant as they are no longer staying in the same house.

Swarts said the state confirmed that Joyi is a first offender and has no previous convictions or pending cases against him.

"The case is postponed to 3 March for further investigation. Joyi, you are warned to be in court at 08:30 on 3 March, failing which a warrant of arrest will be issued and you will be kept in custody until the case is finalised," she said.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Christopher Spies said the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual offences unit is investigating a case of assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm following a complaint that was received by the police.

"A 61-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the matter. He was scheduled to appear in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on the said charges on Friday 15 January. Information pertaining to the alleged incident cannot be released at this stage due to the close relationship between the 12-year-old victim and the suspect," he said.

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