KNYSNA NEWS - About 50 Nekkies residents took part in a peaceful march to the Knysna Magistrate's Court this morning to oppose bail for the man accused of murdering his girlfriend last month.

The accused, Sandiso Faku (36), allegedly murdered his girlfriend, Zodwa Mei (34), and left her body in a pit toilet in Nekkies, where it was found in the early hours of Sunday 27 April.

A high police visibility was maintained along the route of the marchers, that included members of the ANC and the EFF in their party regalia.

The organiser of the march, ANC member Nomfundo Ndunana, said she woke up at about 04:00 to prepare for the march.

"I couldn't sleep last night and woke up very early and contacted my people to make sure that we arrive at the court very early. We don't want this person to be released on bail. We don't want him in our community," she said.

Police escorting the marching residents. Photo: Loyiso DyongmanRebecca Mohlala, an EFF member of parliament, said gender-based violence is rife across the country and people are killed every day.

"We won't rest until the perpetrator of Zodwa rots in jail. We will make sure that the prosecuting authority that is dealing with this case closes all loopholes. We are saying no to bail."

Sharon Swartz, of the NGO Gender Links in Knysna, said they were in full support of the victim and her family. "We will support the family up until the end. This person must be sentenced. What he did is unacceptable."

The accused had not appeared by the time of going to print.

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